Amazon Echo Users Lose Option for Local Processing of Alexa Requests
Amazon Echo users are facing a significant change as the tech giant announces that all Alexa requests will now be processed in the company’s cloud, eliminating the option for local processing of voice recordings.
According to Ars Technica, Amazon recently notified customers with the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature enabled on their Echo devices that this privacy-enhancing feature will no longer be supported starting March 28.
In the email sent to users, Amazon explained that the decision to discontinue local processing of Alexa requests is driven by the need to leverage the processing power of the company’s secure cloud for new generative AI features.
This development coincides with the launch of Alexa+, a revamped version of Amazon’s voice-controlled AI assistant. However, concerns about privacy implications surrounding Alexa have been raised by consumers and regulators alike.
Amazon has previously come under scrutiny for privacy issues, including a $25 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in 2023 over children’s privacy violations.
