Amazon to Discontinue Popular Alexa Privacy Feature — Critical User Security Alert

Amazon to Discontinue Echo Privacy Feature, Sparks Outrage

Amazon is removing a key privacy feature from its Echo devices, drawing criticism from users and experts. Starting March 28, 2025, the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” option—which allowed certain Echo models to process commands locally—will be discontinued. All Alexa interactions will now be sent to Amazon’s cloud servers.

Privacy Concerns Amplified
Until now, select Echo devices (Echo Dot 4th Gen, Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15) could handle basic commands on-device, keeping voice data within users’ homes. With this change, every request will be processed remotely. Critics argue the shift enables Amazon to store and potentially misuse voice data.

Digital rights expert Cory Doctorow called the move “absolutely unforgivable,” citing Amazon’s troubled privacy history. In 2019, Amazon admitted employees and contractors accessed user recordings for transcriptions. A 2023 $25M fine further highlighted mishandling of children’s Alexa interactions. Amazon claims recordings will be deleted after processing, but Doctorow warns, “They’ve lied before.”

Alexa+ Drives the Change
The decision coincides with Amazon’s rollout of Alexa+, a generative AI-powered upgrade promising smarter, more conversational interactions. Amazon stated the new features require “cloud processing power,” making on-device options obsolete. Subscribers to Amazon Prime get Alexa+ free; others pay $19.99/month.

[Image: Amazon Echo speaker with caption: From March 28, all Echo devices will send voice data to the cloud.]

User Backlash and Expert Warnings
Users received emails announcing the policy shift, prompting backlash on platforms like Reddit. One user wrote, “Now’s the best time to switch to an alternative.” Cloud expert Sayuj Nath likened Echo devices to “a direct line to [Amazon] HQ,” while XWiki CEO Ludovic Dubot declared impacted devices “as good as bricked” for privacy-focused users.

Amazon’s email clarified that enabling “Don’t save recordings” will delete data after processing but disables Voice ID personalization. Archived recordings will also be erased.

[Image: Alexa+ demo with caption: Alexa+ uses generative AI for advanced features, requiring cloud processing.]

What Is Alexa+?

• Smarter AI: More conversational and personalized responses.
• Rollout: Launches in the U.S. first, with global expansion later in 2025.
• Cost: Free for Prime members; $19.99/month otherwise.

Surveillance Fears
Echo devices, equipped with always-on microphones, now risk broader data exposure. Critics warn Amazon could exploit recordings for ads or training AI—despite denials. The Verge noted the policy tightens Amazon’s control over voice data, eliminating local processing entirely.

[Image: Echo Show device with caption: Echo Show devices will lose local voice processing capabilities.]

The Bottom Line
Amazon’s push for advanced AI features comes at a privacy cost. For users prioritizing security, unplugging Echo devices may be the only safeguard. As Doctorow quipped, “Amazon’s track record suggests your secrets won’t stay secret for long.”

MailOnline has contacted Amazon for comment.

Amazon’s Email to Users
Excerpt:
“We are discontinuing ‘Do Not Send Voice Recordings’ on March 28. Voice data will now be processed in the cloud and deleted after use. Previously saved recordings will also be erased.”