In a significant privacy update, Amazon has announced that it will be removing the 'Do Not Send Voice Records' feature from its Echo devices later this month. This decision, confirmed by the company in a statement to USA TODAY, means that virtually all voice requests made through Amazon's popular Alexa service will now be sent to the company’s cloud for processing.
Effective March 28, the existing privacy setting will be replaced by a new feature known as 'Don’t Save Recordings.' While this updated setting will still allow for the automatic deletion of voice requests, these requests will first be processed in Amazon’s secure cloud environment. According to Amazon, regardless of whether the Don’t Save Recordings feature is activated or deactivated, all Alexa requests will be processed in the cloud, raising concerns among privacy-conscious users.
An Amazon spokesperson emphasized that the Alexa experience is designed to prioritize customer privacy and data security. They stated, “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.” However, users should note that enabling the new setting will disable the voice ID feature, which allows Alexa to recognize individual voices.
Despite the high-profile nature of this feature, Amazon revealed that less than 0.03% of Echo owners utilized the Do Not Send Voice Records setting. This feature was primarily available to U.S. customers whose devices were set to English, specifically on models like the Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15.
The announcement has sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with many users expressing their discontent. Some Reddit users voiced concerns that Amazon is altering the terms of service after the sale of the Echo device. One user lamented, “I don’t understand how anyone could buy and support this product?” while another remarked, “I am so glad I jumped ship away from Echo half a decade ago.”
Users on Facebook and X have echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the end of the Do Not Send Voice Records feature is primarily aimed at enhancing Amazon's AI development, with implications for stock prices rather than user privacy. Comments such as “At your expense. You may want to get rid of your Amazon Echo” reflect the growing dissatisfaction among consumers.
It’s important for users to understand that Amazon processes a variety of data from Echo devices. This includes sounds captured when the device hears the wake word (usually “Alexa”) or when a button is pressed to activate the assistant. Additionally, Amazon employs a visual ID capability, which uses camera technology to match a person's identity with enrolled users.
As Amazon continues to evolve its privacy settings, Echo users may need to reassess their engagement with the device in light of these changes. The upcoming transition underscores the balance between enhancing AI capabilities and maintaining user trust in data privacy.
