“Forget I said that.” Ever wish you could erase what comes out of your mouth? Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant not only hears but also records every word . . . and saves it too. Amazon has settings to let users erase voice recordings automatically. But the company warns that deletions hamper Alexa’s service. That forces users to choose between privacy and quality.
The idea that someone (or something!) might be listening to everything we say seems alarming. It has many folks either worried or creeped out. Christians know that God is omniscient. He sees and hears all—without high-tech help. But unlike people and businesses, He has intentions for us that are always for good. The Alexa debate is a reminder to “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Alexa is one of several smart services that responds to user questions and commands. When Alexa (or Siri or Google . . .) hears a “wake word,” it knows a request is coming: “Alexa, will it rain today?” “Hey Siri, play ‘The World and Everything in It’ podcast.” Virtual assistants (VAs) can make to-do lists, give news and weather updates, play music, set alarms, and much more. The services can also control smart devices like lights and thermostats.
VAs “learn” about users from requests. To improve service (and, ahem, marketing), the companies behind the VAs save voice recordings—sometimes indefinitely.
That practice raises concerns with privacy experts. Companies often use human reviewers to sort through some requests. This human involvement causes concern. Unscrupulous employees could leak private details embedded in the voice commands or in conversations that the VA “overhears.”
Previously, most users had to delete recordings manually. Now Alexa users can change the settings to have Amazon automatically delete recordings either immediately or after a certain length of time. But automatic erasure triggers a warning about degrading Alexa's ability to respond or understand.
Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all claim they strip personal info from recordings before reviewers see them. They also say that a real person reviews less than one percent of conversations with smart assistants. But while assuring users that the listening is no big deal, VA makers are either increasing their warnings about the recordings or putting other safeguards—including strict hiring policies—in place.
Today’s tech users are starting to realize what makes smart devices so smart: They’re always listening—and often watching too. Users will need to decide whether they’re okay with devices constantly eavesdropping on their lives.
1st comment
that's wackey! it's why my mom didn't get one of those Alexa dot things.
Spy!!!
Spying robots!! Sound like something out of a sci-fi movie? Not any more! It's really happening!!!
You know what's funny? My Grandma got one of these and i told her they record you and she was like ok..then world teen came in the mail and i showed her this article and she was like ahhhhh!!!!
Question for Alexa's makers....
Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all claim they [strip personal info from recordings before reviewers see them] They also say that a real person reviews less than one percent of conversations with smart assistants.
How do they strip them? They manual delete them eh? And what's the point of reviewers any whey?
Siri, Alexa
I've seen a few alexas. They seem so cool. I can't believe how they are so clever! As I was reading this I thought of Siri and I talked to it.
Siri
Once my grandpa's phone was on the table and we had been talking to Siri and got reather tired of it and my mom told Siri to go to sleep. Anyone want to guess the response?
edit
Rather not reather
@Beth G
She told them to shut up? Lol. Or go to sleep themselves?
@Beth H
"Siri never sleeps"
To Above
Ekkkk!!
@Beth G
Well that’s not creepy at all!! Lol. Not really sure how to do sarcasm on a phone haha.
@Beth H
I didn't see your LOL at first. LOL!
@Nadia
To answer your question, I think that they use algorithms of common names, syntax and format of addresses, and birthdays to delete them, and then give them to the reviewers. Also, the reviewers are used to get answers to requests where, "hmm... I'm not sure I know that one" and see if that's an answer they can figure out and put in their databases.
@ Josh M
ok. : )
Yeah that is kind of weird
Yeah that is kind of weird that they are always recording. What's the point? We have three Alexas in our home.
One day
I wonder if one day the government will use Alexa/Siri/Google to find the christians and drive them out.
@Aynsley A
Hmmm.. That's interesting Aynsley
YIKES!!!!!!
thats a scary thought.
@ Aynsley
Hmmm....Your rite....
So Creepy
like what if amazon used it for bad. like to listen to people conversations
This is JENNA
I personally do not want an alexa or siri in my house where it can here everything I say because are you really sure that google and amazon and the other companys wont just listen for marketing and hear some other personal things.
plus what if they get hacked?..... also what if they use this for bad reasons?!
ahhhhhhhhh
That's so weird. I have a google nest in my room. What if it were always watching and listening? That is SO creepy!
yeah,it is...
yeah,it is...
My mom was talking about how
My mom was talking about how we should go to this restaurant and her phone buzzed and she looked at it and it already had GPS to go to that restaurant.
That`s not scary at all... (SWEAT)
This Is Elsie
I have one of these....
Elsie (Emelias sister)
Aynsley, That would suck, but the USA is a free country for now so we can belive what we want. Do you live in America.
@Ian
My grandpa was talking about how you just have to say "Hey Siri" this or "Hey Siri" that and she'll do it and Siri actually said "here I am, how can I help?".
@Ian
I have a nephew named Ian!
That's so creepy but like
That's so creepy but like what if you said personal info infront of it. Also i want to know what they do with the recordings?
To Above
OoO I wish I knew...............
me 2
me 2
yup
so creepy im glad i dont have a phone But i still want one so i can text my friends
This site is trash.
My mom got this for me as a replacement for the news app. I saw this and more of this crap. This does not actually give news people need to know. I want to know about foreign politics, politics, science news, health, and more. Then this site makes an article about typewriters.
Sam
What? If you don't like this site then please, don't be rude. Keep it to yourself. This is a very informative, Christian news site. You don't have to shun the articles. I personally like the site very much.
You can search for articles in the search box. There are plenty of science articles. If you think this site is not good. Then go to WORLD. Its for adults, and a part of the World news group.
@Sam M
This website is for people as young as 11 so it's obviously not going to report some things and get a bunch of parents mad at it. If you are ready for everything, you can ask your parents to let you read WORLD.
Alexa is really a small
Alexa is really a small Watson
Creepy.
Omg, that is so freaky! I have a Google home in my room, does it listen in on my conversations?!
We don't have any Alexas or
We don't have any Alexas or echo dots. I don't have a phone either. But every other friend I have has one even my friends who are a year younger than me.
in answer to NA they record
in answer to NA they record you to help make Alexa better
It is still creepy, what if
It is still creepy, what if someone said something personal?
there not always recording
there not always recording its just when you say alexa
same with MJ i don't have any
same with MJ i don't have any ether but a bunch of my friends do.
@Mirela J
I've know 8 and 9 year olds who have smartphones.
Are any of you Christians? If
Are any of you Christians? If so cool, if not, that's all right, but God still loves you. He wants to know you. He is a blessing just better. You should go to church and be a decibel of Jesus spread the good news. You should read the bible. I like revelations. I live in Hawaii, and I see God's creation all around me.
That does seem weird that
That does seem weird that kids a lot younger than me have phones.
@ Zoey W
That's so cool that you live in Hawaii! I always wanted to go there! I live in Britain ( England ). I bet you live next to the beach! It's always cold, wet and rainy when ever we go to the beach. How warm can it get there in the summer and how cold in the winter?
@ Zoey
Yes, I'm a Christian. And yes it weird that people who are younger have phones and you don't. And I love your name!
@ Bethsarah
Me too. It's just strange. In my opinion children shouldn't have a phone until they're 12 or older. I don't want to sound rude or anything. I still respect other people's opinions.
Mirela
I know the question wasn't directed at me but Hawaii stays between 70 and high 80s pretty much all year round.
@ Zoey W
Oh Yes! I am a spirit filled born again believer in Jesus Christ!!! He is so good to us all!!
I went to Hawaii before on vacation. It was nice. We went to Koluah Kona. Have you ever been there?
@Emelia
Ok, Thanks!
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