Are Smart Assistants Spying on You? A Guide to Voice Privacy

Have you ever felt that, after talking with a friend about a specific product or service, you’re suddenly bombarded with ads related to it? 

The truth is, while it might feel like more than a coincidence, it doesn’t necessarily mean your phone or computer is spying on you. 

Many factors explain this situation: It could be that you’re starting to desire products the algorithm already predicted you’d be interested in, or perhaps it’s the other way around. 

Maybe your social media algorithm had already been secretly showing you these messages way before you even realised you wanted them. 

Or maybe it’s just a fun coincidence, and you may be craving something that happens to be already widely popular.

Either way, voice-activated devices are now present in millions of homes across the UK and beyond, and concerns about privacy are growing. Are they always listening? What do they record? And who, exactly, has access to that data? 

In this article, we explore how intelligent assistants work, what privacy risks they pose, and what you can do to protect your data.

What Are Smart Assistants and How Do They Work?

Intelligent assistants (like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and others) are voice-activated technologies designed to provide information, manage smart home devices, and respond to user commands. 

You can typically find these systems on devices such as:

• Smart speakers
• Every modern smartphone and tablet
• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
• Wearables like smartwatches
• Home hubs and smart appliances

These assistants can only be activated with a “wake word” (like “Hey Siri” or “Alexa”). Once the wake word is detected, the device begins recording and transmitting the user’s request to remote servers for processing. 

Are Smart Assistants Always Listening?

Many users believe their devices only listen after the wake word is spoken, but how would this work? 

The Wake Word Misconception

Intelligent assistants must always be passively listening to detect the wake word. That means your smart speaker is constantly monitoring ambient sound.

Manufacturers insist that this passive listening is local (not recorded or sent to servers). Still, there have been cases where devices misinterpret sounds or speech as a wake word and begin recording unintentionally. These “false activations” can lead to private conversations being stored and reviewed.

What Happens to Your Voice Recordings?

Once activated, most smart assistants record your voice command, send it to cloud servers for analysis using artificial intelligence, and respond accordingly. 

The service provider often stores these recordings and can review them for “quality assurance” purposes. 

Some companies also use this data to train and improve their voice recognition models. Let’s not forget: most voice assistants are trained to respond primarily to their primary user’s voice.

Main Privacy Concerns and Cases

Human Review of Recordings

In 2019, it was revealed that some companies were using human reviewers to listen to users’ voice recordings. Though these were supposedly anonymised, this practice raised some fair concerns.

Companies have since added more transparency and opt-out options, but the potential for misuse remains.

Smart TVs and Smart Appliances

Smart TVs often come with built-in voice control and internet connectivity. They can collect significant amounts of data about your viewing habits, searches, and even background noise in your home. 

The same is true for kitchen appliances, thermostats, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices with voice functions. They may have minimal privacy protections, depending on the manufacturer and the user’s adjustments to their privacy settings. 

Children’s Privacy

Children and technology remain a frequent topic of concern, and, understandably, parents worry about how their children’s data is being handled.

Voice recordings of children may be stored and used in ways that parents are unaware of, potentially conflicting with child data protection regulations such as the UK’s Age-Appropriate Design Code.

How Can You Protect Your Privacy?

Many people struggle to find a balance between relying on tech and taking advantage of its benefits, while still protecting their data.. 

Eliminating voice data collection can be particularly challenging if you use these devices on a daily basis. Not everything is lost; there are ways to reduce your exposure and maintain more control over your situation.

Practical Steps Anyone Can Take

• Review and delete recordings regularly: Luckily, some services allow you to review your voice history and delete stored recordings.
• Change your privacy settings: The golden rule is to always review privacy settings carefully before accepting them. Adjust permissions to prevent your information from being used for training or review.
• Use a VPN with smart devices: If you’re concerned about who might be listening or what data might be shared in the background, using a VPN for your TV can help encrypt traffic and mask your viewing habits.
• Opt out of human review: Many companies now allow users to opt out of having their recordings reviewed by humans.
• Choose privacy-conscious brands: Some manufacturers prioritize privacy more than others—do your research before making a purchase.

Do Laws and Regulations Offer Enough Protection?

Existing Regulations

In the UK and Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides some protection by requiring companies to be transparent about data use and allowing users to access or delete their personal data. 

However, data privacy can be challenging, and many consumers remain unaware of the extent to which their data is collected.

Gaps and Grey Areas

There’s still a lack of clarity around:

• How long can companies store your recordings?
• What constitutes “consent” for data collection
• Whether data collected through accidental activation is permissible

Closing these gaps will require increased public awareness and more rigorous regulatory scrutiny.

Should You Stop Using Smart Assistants?

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. For many, the convenience of voice assistants far outweighs the potential risks. 

It’s similar to the discussion surrounding AI: in the end, we all have the right to choose, but we must also be conscious of the risks. 

Two-thirds of all devices worldwide are IoT-enabled. Consider this: avoiding digital devices altogether could lead to social isolation, which is undesirable from any perspective.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need voice control in every room?
• Am I comfortable with the amount of data being collected?
• Have I adjusted my settings for maximum privacy?

Intelligent assistants are unlikely to disappear from our lives any time soon, but neither should our privacy.

Conclusion

Being aware of how these devices function, what data they collect, and what control you have over them is as essential as locking your house’s door on your way out. There are practical, simple steps you can take to reclaim some of your digital privacy. These devices don’t have to be a threat, but they do deserve a thorough examination. Don’t be afraid to hit the mute button when it matters.

FAQs

Are intelligent assistants always listening?

Intelligent assistants passively listen for a wake word, such as “Alexa” or “Hey Siri.” They do not actively record or transmit conversations until the wake word is detected; however, false activations can still occur.

Do smart assistants record private conversations?

Occasionally, yes—due to accidental triggers. Some of these recordings may be reviewed by company staff to improve speech recognition and AI accuracy.

Can I delete my voice recordings?

Yes. Most platforms, such as Amazon, Google, and Apple, allow you to review and delete your stored voice history through account settings or app controls.

Who has access to the recordings?

Select employees or third-party contractors may access anonymized recordings for quality control purposes, unless you opt out through your privacy settings.

Can smart assistants be hacked?

Like any internet-connected device, smart assistants can be vulnerable if not secured. Using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and enabling device-level protections can help minimize risks.

How can I improve my voice privacy?

Mute your device when not in use, disable unnecessary features, regularly delete your voice history, and review your privacy settings to limit data sharing.