Starting March 28, 2025, Amazon Echo devices will no longer support local processing of voice requests. This update specifically affects the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature, which was previously available on select Echo models like the Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15. A source familiar with the matter mentioned that only a small group of customers utilized this feature, allowing certain voice interactions to be processed locally rather than through Amazon’s cloud.
From the specified date, all voice requests made to Alexa will be processed through Amazon’s cloud servers instead of locally on the device. Echo users have been notified of this change through email communication.
The email sent out by Amazon reads, “We are reaching out to let you know that the Alexa feature ‘Do Not Send Voice Recordings’ that you enabled on your supported Echo device(s) will no longer be available beginning March 28, 2025. As we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, we have decided to no longer support this feature.”
This update implies that all voice commands spoken to Echo devices after March 28 will be processed and stored in Amazon’s cloud. Users who had enabled the “Don’t save recordings” option will lose access to the Voice ID feature, which allows Alexa to provide personalized responses based on individual preferences in multi-occupant households. To retain this functionality, users will need to manually adjust their settings.
Security and Privacy Concerns
Amazon has assured users about the security of their data in the announcement, mentioning that “Alexa voice requests are always encrypted in transit to Amazon’s secure cloud, which was designed with layers of security protections to keep customer information safe.” The company also highlighted that customers have the ability to manage privacy settings through the Alexa Privacy dashboard or the Alexa app.
However, once data reaches Amazon’s servers, it falls under the company’s control. According to Ars Technica, Amazon and its employees could access decrypted information, potentially for monetization or AI training purposes.
Amazon has previously acknowledged collecting data about third-party devices connected to users’ home networks, interactions that Alexa doesn’t engage with, and the retention of stored data obtained from voice interactions.
User Backlash
The recent update has faced criticism from Alexa users, with many expressing discontent on social media platforms. Privacy and data security concerns have been raised, questioning the necessity for Amazon to gather and store voice data for AI advancements.
The notion of a corporation having access to personal conversations held in the privacy of users’ residences has unsettled some individuals. For many users, local processing was a significant reason for utilizing Alexa as it provided greater control over data management.
Despite privacy apprehensions, Amazon Echo continues to be a prominent choice among smart speaker users. A September 2024 Statista survey revealed that Amazon Echo leads as the preferred smart speaker brand among US consumers, with over 40 million Echo devices in American households. However, Echo sales have been declining due to escalating competition and a plateau in smart speaker adoption.
Historically, Echo hardware has been sold below production costs, with the company viewing device installations in users’ homes as an investment for future revenues from the technology. Amazon’s ‘Worldwide Digital’ unit, encompassing Echo and Alexa, reported a $3 billion operating loss in the first quarter of 2022, as reported by Business Insider.
Connection to Alexa+ Subscription
Amazon recently introduced Alexa+, a subscription service incorporating AI-powered enhancements for Alexa. Although initially delayed due to technical challenges, the launch of Alexa+ is anticipated later this year.
Amazon states that Alexa+ will deliver a more context-aware experience, enhancing interactions between Alexa-enabled devices like Ring doorbell cameras. The transition to cloud processing aligns with the Alexa+ rollout, indicating a shift towards cloud-based data handling for advanced AI features and potentially maximizing financial returns on data collection, processing, and distribution operations.
What’s Next for Echo Users
For Echo owners wishing to retain Voice ID and other AI features, allowing Amazon to capture and process all voice audio will be necessary. Those who frequently delete recordings might lose access to default Alexa functions available before.
This shift reflects a broader trend towards cloud-based AI models, offering sophisticated capabilities while raising concerns about privacy, user control, and data ownership.
(Photo by Unsplash)
See also: AWS strengthens ties with Australian Government in new cloud agreement.
Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
