Neon Mobile, now the No. 2 social app in Apple’s U.S. App Store, pays users to record phone calls, offering 30¢ per minute for Neon-to-Neon calls and up to $30 daily for calls to non-users. The app sells this audio data to AI companies to enhance machine learning models. Its terms of service grant broad rights to use, sell, and distribute recordings, sparking major privacy concerns. Despite this, Neon’s rapid rise highlights a market willing to trade personal data for cash incentives.
Privacy vs. Profit Trade-Off
Legal experts warn that Neon’s claim of recording only one side of calls (unless both use Neon) may be a loophole, potentially capturing full conversations. The data’s anonymization is questioned, and risks like voice impersonation fraud loom large. Users earn via referrals too, but the $30 daily cap limits returns.
Who’s Using It and When?
Available to all U.S. App Store users, Neon’s popularity surged post-launch in mid-September 2025. No regional restrictions apply, though privacy laws (e.g., wiretap regulations) may challenge its model.
A New Data Economy?
Launched amid growing AI data hunger, Neon exemplifies a shift where personal audio becomes currency. Its success could spur similar apps, reshaping privacy norms—one call at a time.
