Amazon is making a major change to how its Echo devices handle voice commands. Starting March 28, 2025, all Alexa voice requests will be processed in the cloud, removing the option for local processing. This means that every command spoken to an Echo device will be sent to Amazon’s servers. It raises concerns about privacy and data security.
Previously, users could enable the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” setting. It allowed Alexa to process commands locally without storing or transmitting recordings to the cloud. However, Amazon has now confirmed that this feature will be discontinued to make cloud-based processing mandatory for all Echo users.
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In an email to users, Amazon explained the decision:
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.”
With this change, every voice command given to Alexa will be recorded, sent to Amazon’s cloud, and processed remotely. Users who previously opted out of cloud processing will no longer have that choice.
This update has sparked backlash, as users will now have no control over keeping their voice recordings local. Many are concerned about the implications of Amazon storing and analyzing their private conversations.
Amazon has faced multiple privacy controversies in the past regarding Alexa recordings:
- In 2023, Amazon paid $25 million in fines for retaining children’s voice recordings indefinitely.
- Bloomberg reported in 2019 that Amazon employees listened to user voice recordings to improve Alexa’s speech recognition.
- Alexa recordings have been used as evidence in criminal investigations, raising concerns about surveillance.
The Trade-off: Functionality vs. Privacy
Amazon argues that cloud-based processing will enhance Alexa’s capabilities, especially for its new AI-powered Alexa+. However, users will have to make a difficult decision:
- Allow Amazon to process and store voice recordings to use Alexa normally.
- Opt out and lose key Alexa features, such as personalized responses and Voice ID.
For users who previously disabled voice recording storage, Amazon warns that some Alexa functions will stop working entirely.
Amazon is pushing users toward a more cloud-dependent Alexa to prioritize AI-driven features over privacy-first settings. With no local processing available, users must now choose between keeping their smart assistant functional or maintaining their privacy.
With March 28 approaching, Echo users will need to decide whether to continue using Alexa under these new terms or consider alternatives that offer better privacy protection.
