U.S. cable provider Verizon has applied to patent a cable box technology that watches what's going on in a room and show viewers commercials based on what is sees.

For example, it can detect when couples are cuddling, then show a commercial for a romantic getaway or for contraceptives. It would use thermal imaging cameras, microphones and motion sensors.

Privacy campaigners called the new technology a "privacy nightmare."

Read more on the Daily Mail.