When I first heard of the type of device that would serve as an assistant that could remember things and look up things for you, my curiosity was peaked. Amazon offers Alexa, Google offers Google Home, along with other similar devices being introduced into the market.
Though with more consideration into having a device in which its main function to be listening to the user’s, many became suspicious into having these kinds of device in their homes. Certainly, these technologies wouldn’t be used to eavesdrop on my private conversations, could they?
As this article describes (https://www.techworld.com/security/does-amazon-alexa-listen-to-my-conversations-3661967/), these devices are only meant to record inputs once provoked with the appropriate keyword. However, the device has to be listening to hear when the word or phrase is said, so it would be hearing everything that you say around it. This seems alarming. Though, if it is not being recorded as the companies say, then it should not really matter. You don’t worry about your dog revealing your darkest secrets.
Though, just because it is not meant to be recorded, that does not mean that it cannot be. For instance, if a hacker somehow gained control of the device, maybe it could be perpetually recording conversations. This thought might be a bit of a hypocritical fear, as people carry their smartphones practically everywhere they go, and these devices have the possibility of recording as well.
I suppose that people have been desensitized to the thought of their phones being used for spying, bit are fearful of newer technologies. It is usual for people to be afraid of what they don’t know. It boils down to people’s desires of privacy against convenience.
Alexa, are you spying on me?