Smart assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri can be handy. You can ask them to play music, set a timer, or check the weather, all by just talking. But the way they work comes with real privacy risks.
These devices are always listening for their “wake word” (like “Hey Siri” or “Alexa”). That means they’re constantly monitoring sound in your home, waiting to be activated. Sometimes, they start recording by accident, like when you say something that sounds like their name.
Companies say these recordings are safe, but in many cases:
- The recordings are stored and can be reviewed by employees
- Some voice clips are kept unless you delete them manually
- The data may be shared with other companies or law enforcement
Our Advice: Don’t Use Speech-Activated Smart Assistants
Devices that are always listening are not great for privacy. You don’t need to give up smart tools altogether, but we recommend skipping voice-activated assistants and using apps or devices that put you in control!
—- Published January 2026 —-