Amazon is introducing a major update to its Alexa virtual assistant, presenting “Alexa+” with enhanced generative AI functionalities. However, this update introduces a significant alteration regarding privacy—users will not have the option to refuse sending their voice recordings to Amazon’s cloud servers.
Voice Recordings Will Now Automatically Be Sent to the Cloud by Default
Earlier, certain Alexa devices supported locally processing voice commands, which meant their requests would never leave the device. There was also a “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” option for people who wanted to maintain their conversations as private. However, from March 28 onwards, Amazon is removing this option altogether, according to Futurism.
From this date onwards, all users’ words that they speak to Alexa will be sent and retained on Amazon’s servers, and there will be no option for opting out. Amazon defends the decision by mentioning that the new AI features require more computing capabilities than the hardware can deliver individually.
Amazon Defends the Change
The tech giant claims that only a small percentage—around 0.3%—of Echo device users relied on local processing, largely because most Alexa devices never supported it. Amazon also maintains that this transition is necessary to enhance Alexa’s AI-driven performance.
Privacy Activists Raise Alarms
Privacy campaigners are shocked by the shift, which they see as a setback for the protection of users’ data. Alexa has already been under the microscope for privacy breaches previously, such as when it recorded private talk by mistake and, in some instances, even sent them to people not intended to receive them. Amazon itself has also admitted that its staff listens to clips of user interactions to enhance the system.
In spite of these issues, the company maintains that user information is secure and privacy still takes precedence. They claim that their cloud infrastructure is secure and that the AI-driven improvements will provide a improved experience.
Users Concerned About Data Control
For others, this update brings important questions regarding control of personal data and transparency into focus. Since no opt-out exists, users find themselves wondering how much Amazon is listening and if privacy is actually being protected.
