What the Tech: Alexa’s New Recording Policy Raises Privacy Questions
By JAMIE TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
If you own an Amazon Echo device, you’re familiar with the wake word “Alexa,” the trigger for the device to spring into action. But did you know it’s constantly listening? Amazon is now changing how it handles these recordings, prompting concerns about user privacy.
Currently, Echo devices listen for their wake word. When triggered, they record a brief audio clip for any commands given. Until now, users could opt out of this recording feature. However, starting March 28th, that’s changing. Amazon will automatically upload all recordings to its servers, and there is no option to opt out.
Why the Change?
Amazon is integrating generative AI into its Echo devices to enhance capabilities such as identifying who is speaking. To achieve this, the devices need to save and actively process audio clips. Amazon assures users that all these recordings will be uploaded to secure servers.
What Does This Mean for Users?
Your Echo device not only records when you intentionally address it, but also whenever it thinks it hears its wake word or similar sounds. This can capture snippets from television, everyday conversations, and any ambient noise that triggers the device. In addition, the devices record for 10 seconds if they detect sounds like breaking glass or a smoke alarm.
In my experience, an Alexa device in the kitchen records almost every time something is done in the microwave and when the clothes are finished in the dryer. You can access a history of these recordings in the Alexa app by navigating to “Privacy” and then “Voice History.” Here, you can view recordings triggered by the wake word, detected sounds, and general audio recordings. While you can currently delete these individual recordings, the automatic uploading to Amazon’s servers will continue.
It’s worth noting that Amazon’s Alexa project has reportedly been a financial drain for the company. The integration of generative AI and the new recording policy are part of an effort to make the Echo devices more useful and potentially introduce a paid subscription model with enhanced features.
This upgraded “Alexa Plus” is expected to be announced later this year. According to reports, Amazon+ will be free for Prime Members but cost as much as $20 per month for non-Prime members.
While Amazon emphasizes the security of its servers, the policy change has raised questions about user privacy. Users must understand what their Echo devices are recording and how that data is being used. Knowing about these changes helps users make informed decisions about using Amazon’s Echo devices.
