Your electronic devices can hear -- and record -- what you say. Experts suggest that you put limits on voice technology access for sake of your privacy.
The Amazon Echo, for example, wakes whenever it hears its name ... then keeps a recording of every voice command you give. Also, when an Apple device hears "Hey Siri," it records your request -- and uploads it to Apple's servers.
Security experts say to think about the privacy tradeoff.
It maty be worth opting out of some features -- like microphone access, and just switch them on when you need to record audio or video.
Here is how to limit or disable some of these features:
AMAZON ECHO
Alexa wakes when it hears its name – any use of “Alexa," "Amazon," "Computer" or "Echo." The device is ready for that cue whenever its crown ring glows blue.
But Amazon uploads to its servers an audio recording o of every voice command you give.
Tech expert Kim Komando says there’s a way to check online for all your Amazon Echo recordings, and how delete them too.
APPLE SIRI
Siri always listens. For iOS 8, Apple offered a "Hey Siri" command to raise her hands-free. When you summon her, your commend is recorded – and uploaded to Apple servers To turn off this "Hey Siri" feature, go to Settings and choose Siri & Search, then switch off “Allow Siri When Locked.”
Facebook also needs access. The Facebook app requests access to your phone’s microphone – because it needs, on surface, to record your voice when shooting live video.
There’s no evidence Facebook is eavesdropping – but for people who don’t need to allow mike access, it’s worth switching off.
An iPhone user can go to Settings and choose Facebook – and then slide the Microphone switch from green to white. You can also do it be going to Settings, then Privacy, and then Microphone – than choose Facebook and do the same step.
ANDROID
Android users can go to Settings, then Applications, and then the Application Manager. Choose Facebook, then Permissions ... and then toggle the microphone off.
Google has added “OK Google” to wake the Assistant on Google Home speakers, Android phones and its Chrome browser.
Voice-controlled requests are recorded – and at least part of them are saved to your Google account.
Use the My Account tool to review the recordings it’s made of you -- and delete them if desired.
Or you can turn off recording altogether.
On an Android device, under Settings, go to Google and choose Search & Now, then Voice – and then turn off the “Ok Google” option.
Komando also shares a way to go online and hear everything you’ve ever said to Google.
MICROSOFT CORTANA
The Microsoft wake phrase is "Hey Cortana." To turn it off, open Cortana on your Windows computer, select the Notebook icon, click Settings and toggle off “Hey Cortana.”