In a few days, all your conversations with Alexa will be recorded by Amazon. An announcement that is not soon worried about users about their safety.
Only a few short days before your discussions with Alexa changed their register. As friendly as they are, they will all be recorded by Amazon soon. A news recently announced by the American firm, and which has not failed to run ink.
The date is even very close. From March 28, 2025, all Echo devices will be deprived of the option “Do not send voice records”. A deletion that does not pass to users.
A highly decried update
The least we can say is that the announcement of Amazon worries: “Never in life I will have a device that does not offer confidentiality parameters ! “rebels a surfer on X. In a week, all the discussions maintained with the vocal assistant Alexa will be systematically broadcast at the firm. A device from which three Echo models escaped: DOT 4e generation, show 10 and show 14.
Amazon’s connected speakers will therefore all be aligned with this same principle of data transmission. The American brand wanted to warn its customers via an email: “This feature allowed compatible Echo devices to treat audio of Alexa queries locally on the device. While we continue to extend Alexa’s capacities with generative AI features that rely on Amazon’s secure cloud processing power, we have decided not to take care of this functionality”.
Deleting the option “Do not send voice records” is therefore the consequence of the arrival of new generative intelligence features at Alexa+. The Voice ID device, which helps Amazon’s AI to recognize the voice of its user, is at the heart of recent disturbances. The tool in fact records a profile in the cloud while being able to adapt its answers and services according to its interlocutor.
Are there confidentiality problems?
The question of confidentiality naturally comes. Is it legal for Amazon to force its users to transfer their conversations with Alexa? Adèle Maier, partner of Cabinet Bouchara & Avocatsanswered this question for Linternate: “Amazon’s decision is surprising, from a legal point of view, taking into account the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which supervises the processing personal data “.
The Parisian lawyer notably underlines the concept of consent of customers, who have no choice but to accept Amazon’s policy: “I understand that Amazon informed users of the Alexa tool for the implementation of automatic recording of discussions, but the question of the legality of this new feature arises. Insofar as the recording of discussions is imposed on the consumer, the informed consent of the latter is lacking”. Deleting without summons an adjustment making it possible to protect the privacy of users can effectively contradict European standards.
How to avoid transmitting your data?
There is nevertheless a solution so as not to transmit his conversations to Amazon: to give up the update and to help the slightest access to the new features of Alexa, like Voice ID. Another remedy, more radical this time, suggests completely deactivating the microphone. A little useful means, Alexa then losing all its usefulness. Nothing prevents you from switching to a competitor from Amazon either.