Amazon to Remove Privacy Feature on Echo Devices

Amazon is set to discontinue the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature on its Echo devices starting March 28, 2025. This feature allowed certain Echo models to process voice commands locally, without transmitting data to Amazon’s cloud servers. The change coincides with the upcoming launch of Alexa+, Amazon’s enhanced AI-driven assistant.

In an email to affected users, Amazon stated that expanding Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI necessitates reliance on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, leading to the discontinuation of local voice processing. The “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature was previously available only on select devices—specifically, the Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15—and was limited to U.S. customers using English.

After March 28, all voice recordings from Echo devices will be sent to and processed in Amazon’s cloud servers. Users who have enabled the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature will have their settings automatically updated to “Don’t save recordings.” This means that while recordings will be transmitted to the cloud for processing, they will be deleted immediately afterward. However, certain functionalities, such as Voice ID—which offers personalized experiences—will be affected if recordings are not saved.

Amazon emphasizes its commitment to customer privacy, stating that the Alexa experience is designed to protect data security. The company assures users that they can continue to choose from a robust set of tools and controls, including the option to not save voice recordings at all.

The decision has elicited mixed reactions. Some users express concerns over privacy implications and the potential loss of functionality, especially for those who relied on local processing for simple tasks like controlling smart home devices. Discussions on online forums reflect a range of opinions, from apprehension about increased data transmission to considerations about device usability.

This move underscores Amazon’s focus on enhancing Alexa’s capabilities through advanced AI features, aligning with the broader industry trend of integrating cloud-based generative AI into consumer devices. As AI-driven assistants become more sophisticated, the balance between functionality and user privacy continues to be a pivotal consideration for both companies and consumers.