Amazon’s upcoming Alexa+ update is set to change the way users interact with their Echo devices, raising significant concerns over user privacy. As of March 28, all voice recordings made to Alexa speakers and smart displays will be automatically sent to Amazon’s cloud for processing.
The new policy eliminates a long-standing feature that allowed users to process Alexa requests locally, effectively avoiding sending voice recordings to the company’s servers. Instead, users must now choose between granting Amazon access to their voice recordings or stopping use of the Echo altogether.
Critics argue that this change erodes trust and is unnecessary, citing past instances where Amazon mismanaged sensitive user data. In 2023, the company agreed to pay $25 million in civil penalties for storing children’s interactions with Alexa indefinitely. Adults also felt misled about Amazon’s handling of voice recordings until as recently as 2019.
Amazon claims that users can continue to exercise control over their data through a robust set of online settings and controls. However, many experts say this does little to alleviate concerns. The company’s push for the Alexa+ update, which includes advanced features like Alexa Voice ID, suggests that user data is being seen as a key revenue stream.
As Echo users weigh the benefits of newer features against growing concerns over privacy, it remains to be seen how Amazon will balance its business interests with user demands.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/everything-you-say-to-your-echo-will-be-sent-to-amazon-starting-march-28