When smart devices watch you, what do they do with the data?

FoxNews.com/tech ^ | June 23, 2019 | Kim Komando | The Kim Komando Show

[ETL]

Think of all the things a microphone can pick up: voices, noises, whispers, conversations, arguments, confessions – even people alone, in a room, mumbling to themselves.

Think of all the things you say in a private space, all the weird things you do. Once those sounds have been saved, that data can be stored, edited, and manipulated and shared.

Now, think of all the things a camera can see, record, save, and share with who knows who.

Speaking of, if you're in a vacation rental, there's no guarantee hidden cameras are not in play.

Smart devices can work miracles, obeying your every command.

In return, they may transmit everything about you to a programmer in a city you’ve never heard of.

Even services that seem benevolent, like smoking-cessation and mental health apps, have been quietly sharing sensitive info about their users.

Since so many smart devices are collecting personal data on us, it begs the question: What do data miners use all this information for?

What do the raw statistics of our lives matter to the likes of Google, Apple, or Amazon?

Gathering and storing all those files takes a lot of effort, so what’s the payoff?

And how concerned should we be that tech giants are hoarding such everyday intelligence?

Remember, personal data can be abused or stolen, no matter how trivial, and cyber-criminals are currently combing through millions of filched email addresses, mortgage documents, and even medical records.

Generally, developers say that these data points help their smart devices run better.

You may believe that, or you may not.

You may feel comfortable with it, or you may be weirded out.

Whatever the case, there are often ways to avoid observation.

Read on to see what data these gadgets collect and what you can do about it. ..."

[BarbM]

If they the are gathering information on Me they are going to be really bored.
__________________________
That sentiment is the problem. I would think one’s autonomy would be more valuable.

Not only autonomy ppl are losing their ability to think and read road signs.

It’s like willingly surrendering one’s gun. It is boring, it sits locked up...

[bgill]

It all goes to the NSA.

Wonder what will happen if every morning I wake up and announce to whatever device is snooping that it’s a good day to kill a bunch of people? Oh, never mind, we all know SWAT will be bashing through my front door by day three.

[I want the USA back]

Whenever anything is recorded, on paper, film or electronic media it’s open season for the government which will subpoena it and spend hours going through it looking for something to get you on. Since there is no context, they can get you on anything you say.

George Orwell would marvel at how much worse it is than in his novels.

[mabarker1]

I value My little slice of the Universe and do what I need to in it. I’m one of a dwindling breed that can still Navigate using a Street Map and/or a Compass with a Topographical Map. Nobody is getting My Firearms !!!
I am happy if I wakeup in the Morning breathing and My Neuropathy is under control enough that I can stand up to go to the Bathroom, have enough functionality in My hand open a door, Play with the Grandson and change His diaper if needed. My BIL gave Me one of those gargoyle mini things even after telling Him I had no use for one. He sent it anyway. It’s sitting around here in a pile somewhere still in the box. Heck I don’t even have wired Internet at Home. The only reason I have a phone is to be able to contact My Wife, Family or call My Doctor or 911. Oh and to access FR.

[GOPJ]

Thanks ETL for posting:

________________________________

Open the Alexa app and go into the “Settings” section.
Select “History” and you’ll see a list of all the entries.
Select an entry and tap the Delete button.

If you want to delete all the recordings with a single click, you must visit the “Manage Your Content and Devices” page at amazon.com/mycd.

As for Alexa and Echo devices always listening, well you could turn off each of the devices, but then what’s the point of having them?

The real issue, we discovered, is that Amazon employees around the world are listening to us and making transcriptions.

Here’s how to stop that:

Open the Alexa app on your phone.
Tap the menu button on the top left of the screen.
Select “Settings” then “Alexa Account.”
Choose “Alexa Privacy.”
Select “Manage how your data improves Alexa.”
Turn off the toggle next to “Help Develop New Features.”
Turn off the toggle next to your name under “Use Messages to Improve Transcriptions.”

[ETL]

You’re welcome. It’s from the linked article.