Even by Amazon standards, this is extraordinarily sleazy: from Mar 28, each Amazon Echo device will cease processing audio on-device and instead upload all the audio it captures to Amazon's cloud for processing, even if you have previously opted out of cloud-based processing:
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If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:
https://pluralistic.net/2025/03/15/altering-the-deal/#telescreen
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@pluralistic One should always follow XKCDs advice about listening devices, just in case.
XKCD Alt-text "Sure you could just ask, but this also takes care of the host-gift thing"
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@MHowell The image is a black and white cartoon depicting a humorous scenario involving smart home technology. In the top panel, three stick figures are standing at a doorway. One figure, wearing a hat, is speaking and says, "HELLO, WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE! THANKS FOR INVITING US!" Another figure responds, "ALEXA, ORDER TWO TONS OF CREAMED CORN. ALEXA, CONFIRM PURCHASE." The third figure is standing in the doorway, looking at the others. The bottom panel contains a caption that reads, "WHEN VISITING A NEW HOUSE, IT'S GOOD TO CHECK WHETHER THEY HAVE AN ALWAYS-ON DEVICE TRANSMITTING YOUR CONVERSATIONS SOMEWHERE." The cartoon humorously highlights concerns about privacy and smart home devices.
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