Google denies spying fees via Google Assistant, no data is stored

Questioned by our colleagues at Android Authority, Google wanted to respond to allegations circulating around espionage perpetrated by its Assistant. In this regard, the company says: “As this is a closed hearing, we cannot comment on news based on unidentified sources.”former “Share any details that might help you understand how the wizard works and it will clear any doubts you may have”.

The spokesperson of the company is indeed Google Assistant Security Centerstipulates that the latter remain pending until activated. “In sleep mode, the device processes short snippets (a few seconds) to detect an activation – like when you say Hey Google. If no activation is detected, these snippets are not sent or saved to Google”says the company.

Last April, we reported that Google Assistant would soon recognize some voice commands without having to say “OK Google” at the entrance. While this feature is certainly a breakthrough in technology, it raises a lot of questions about how it works and how it works. to the ethical limits with which he flirts.. If there is no longer any need to activate the device with the usual slogan, this means that the latter must constantly listen, right? Answer Yes, at risk of recording private conversations.

When asked about this issue by the Indian government, Google had no choice but to accept it. Assistant spying on its users without being activated. The company has already announced in the past that its employees listen to users’ conversations. However, he quickly justified himself by reassuring. “Take some precautions during the sound examination” and “snippets are never associated with a specific user.” The company then went blank, disabling the default audio recording, which is now required. enable it via a specific option.

Google always follows

On the other hand, Google announced for the first time that it records conversations without having its Assistant activated. Although the manufacturer claims that its employees do not listen “delicate conversations”did not spread certain features that allow these conversations to be recognized nor about the methods used to protect the privacy of its users.

Moreover, this application is not mentioned at all in the general terms of use of the application. The only snippet that can come close is this: “Sometimes, Assistant activates when you don’t want it (for example, by sounding like ‘OK, Google’) because it incorrectly senses that you’re asking for its help. In that case, simply say, “Okay Google, this wasn’t for you,” and the Assistant sends it to Google. deletes the last record. »

Google will spy on you whether you like it or not.

However, Google never states this. Assistant stores records without user knowledge. During the hearing, company representatives did not explain the reasons for this functionality. Of course, it seems logical that the smartphone or the connected speaker is constantly trying to detect the pronunciation of a voice command. However, it is not certain that all users agree to this. Their voices are being recorded without their consent.

Especially since there is no solution to interrupt this process. Google Assistant recently introduced an incognito mode. prevents data collection by the manufacturer, but the latter seems pretty useless if the record is permanently active. The Indian government, for its part, seems very concerned about protecting the privacy of its citizens. “Google states in its privacy policy that it shares personal information with third-party companies when users consent. This is a serious breach of user privacy”said an audience.

How to protect against data collection

Theoretically, it is possible at any time. Delete all data stored by Google Assistant. To do this, go to the Google Home app and then my activity. After the web page opens, all you have to do is select the records you want to delete. However, it is not specified whether the latter also relates to those excluded from your knowledge.

Also, Google Homes, especially the Mini model, has been around for several years now. a button used to mute the device’s microphone. If you don’t want to get rid of your speaker but still prefer to keep your conversations private, one solution would be to enable the microphone only when you plan to use it. What you gain in secrecy, you lose in practice.

Source : India Today