By Emma Reynolds 
If Alexa has become a constant companion in your home, a recent change in Amazon’s privacy settings may cause you to rethink your relationship with the lovable, yet ever-listening device. The world’s largest e-commerce company announced it will be removing a privacy setting that allows users to prevent their Alexa recordings from being stored by the company. It’s a game-changer in the realm of digital privacy, and one that deserves our full attention.
Our homes have become smart. Our light bulbs, thermostats, doorbells, even our refrigerators, are all connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). And in the heart of many of these smart homes is Alexa, Amazon’s personal assistant, always ready to dim the lights, play our favorite song, or order a pizza. Yet, as we enjoy the convenience of voice-controlled gadgets, a critical question looms – who’s listening?
Until now, Amazon offered a solution. A setting in the Alexa app allowed users to tell Amazon to stop storing their voice recordings. It was a nod to privacy-conscious users, a way to enjoy the benefits of a smart home while maintaining some control over personal data. But alas, the days of this privacy-friendly setting are numbered.
Amazon has declared that it will be removing this option, citing the need for these recordings to improve Alexa’s understanding and responsiveness. The company asserts that the more data Alexa has, the better it can serve its users. However, this move has been met with skepticism, particularly from privacy advocates who argue that the need for better service doesn’t quite justify the potential invasion of privacy.
So, where do we go from here? Well, there’s no need to go back to the stone age and start using candles for light or carrier pigeons for communication. You can still use Alexa and maintain some semblance of privacy. While you can’t stop Amazon from storing your recordings, you can delete them manually. It’s a little more work, but a small price to pay for peace of mind.
This change is a stark reminder that in the digital age, privacy is not a default setting. It’s something we have to actively seek and often fight for. We must continually question how our data is used, who has access to it, and what trade-offs we’re making for convenience.
So, next time you ask Alexa to play your favorite tune or tell you a joke, remember: someone, or rather something, is listening. And until further notice, she’ll be keeping your secrets, not for you, but for Amazon. This is a call for greater transparency and user control in our increasingly connected world. We must demand it, not only from Amazon, but from all companies that meddle in the delicate balance of convenience versus privacy.