It has been proven in the past that Amazon listens to your conversations through Alexa to improve the functionality of its voice assistant. Similar cases made headlines with Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri in 2019. The two manufacturers decided to suspend eavesdropping and implemented a consent option so that users have the option of sharing their audio data or not.
Years later, researchers affiliated with several American universities decided to re-examine the Alexa case. In their report they state thatAmazon still uses voice data from Echo devices to serve targeted ads on their own platforms and on the Web.
More precisely, this report titled “”Your Echoes Are Heard: Tracking, Profiling, and Ad Targeting in the Amazon Smart Speaker Ecosystem” It concludes that Amazon and third parties collect data from your interactions with Alexa through Echo smart speakers, and share them with at least 41 advertising partners. This data is then used for the following purposes:“Let’s infer user interests” And “to serve targeted advertisements on the platform (on Echo devices) and off-platform (Web)“.
Also read: Google denies accusations of spying through Google Assistant, no data is stored
Amazon takes over collection of voice data via Alexa
The study also adds that such data is in high demand from third parties and Amazon partners as it is negotiated during ad auctions.30 times higher than advertisers”. Our colleagues at The Verge reached out to Amazon for their reaction. Seattle firm confirmed thisactually used voice data from interactions with Alexa To display targeted ads on Amazon and other sites where Amazon advertises.
“Similar to the experience you’ll have when you make a purchase on Amazon.com or request a song through Amazon Music, if you ask Alexa to order paper towels or play a song on Amazon Music, recording that purchase or playing the song will require Amazon “Show targeted advertisements on ‘and other sites where Amazon advertises’, Amazon spokeswoman Lauren Raemhild confirmed this.
We would like to remind you that you have the option to prevent the collection of voice data in the Privacy tab in the settings of Alexa compatible devices. You can also go to Amazon.com/alexaprivacysettings. On this page you will be able to see and manage your voice recordings and, above all, manage the permissions granted to Amazon.
Source : Border
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