'Do not put Amazon Echo Alexa devices in bedrooms', warn experts

Voice-activated devices like Amazon Echo Alexa should not be kept in bedrooms, suggest experts. Here's why!

According to Dr. Hannah Fry, a mathematician at University College London and expert on tech company algorithms, the device should not be used in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.

The voice-activated gadgets offer a variety of capabilities including news and weather updates, setting alarms, and playing music. They are more generally recognised by the name of its AI helper Alexa.


Some experts said that people might not be aware that the product captures personal conversations.

Fry added that everyone should be mindful of small things like the trigger sound that activates the device and goes on for a while and records the conversations.

Amazon said, 'Access to these review tools is only granted to a limited number of employees who require them to improve the service. Our review process does not associate voice recordings with any customer identifiable information."

There is now an option to turn off recording features in response to customer input.


Additionally, you can play back and remove particular recordings that the Alexa device has made by using a feature included in the privacy settings menu.

An Amazon spokeswoman said that echo device are designed to record audio only once the device recognises the specified wake word.

A blue light indicator will always appear on the Echo device to let you know when Alexa is transmitting your request to the cloud.

FAQs:

1. Is Alexa always listening to you?
   The short answer is yes, Alexa is always listening to you. Or rather the microphone on your Alexa smart speaker is always active.
2. Can you block Alexa from listening?
   If you want to stop Alexa from listening temporarily, you can use the mute button to disable the microphone and stop audio to and from the device.