Amazon is shifting how it handles Alexa voice recordings, and users will no longer have the option to process their voice commands locally on Echo devices. Instead, these recordings will be sent to Amazon’s cloud for processing. This policy change is set to take effect on March 28, 2025, according to a report by ArsTechnica.
The company stated in an email to Echo customers, “As we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, we have decided to no longer support this [on-device processing] feature.”
Only users who have opted out of saving voice recordings received this notification. Amazon has emphasized that voice requests are always encrypted during transit to its cloud, maintaining robust security measures for customer data. Users retain control over their privacy through the Alexa Privacy dashboard online or within the Alexa app. Amazon also says it will automatically delete the recordings after processing.
The change has generated potential privacy concerns. Users may worry about the security of personal requests made through their Echo speakers or smart displays. Some users are questioning whether Amazon needs access to those recordings.
The company responded to the concerns, saying, “The Alexa experience is designed to protect our customers’ privacy and keep their data secure, and that’s not changing. We’re focusing on the privacy tools and controls that our customers use most and work well with generative AI experiences that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud. Customers can continue to choose from a robust set of tools and controls, including the option to not save their voice recordings at all. We’ll continue learning from customer feedback and building privacy features on their behalf,” a spokesperson told The Verge.
The shift comes as Amazon prepares to launch Alexa+, a subscription-based, generative AI version of Alexa. This new version boasts features like Alexa Voice ID, which enables the AI to identify speakers. Voice ID also allows Alexa+ to share calendar events, reminders, and music, but it might be limited if users choose not to save their voice recordings.
Amazon’s history regarding user privacy is not without issues. Previous reports have revealed that Amazon employees listened to Alexa voice recordings to refine its speech recognition systems. The company has faced fines and settlements related to privacy concerns, including improper storage of children’s interactions and Ring camera footage. These incidents have raised questions about Amazon’s commitment to user privacy and data security.
