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When you start using these apps there's generally a popup like this one: When you use voice activation commands like "OK Google" or touching a micropho

by cbr 12y ago

When you start using these apps there's generally a popup like this one: When you use voice activation commands like "OK Google" or touching a microphone icon, a recording of the next thing you say, plus a few seconds before, may be used and stored by Google and associated with your Google Account to help recognize your voice and improve speech recognition. [1] Wiretapping is when someone records you secretly, so I don't see how the laws would apply here. It's just like you can record your phone calls if you answer them with "hi, this is SilasX, and this call is being recorded." [1] http://cdn3.pcadvisor.co.uk/cmsdata/features/3535224/OK_Google_voice_training.png http://cdn3.pcadvisor.co.uk/cmsdata/features/3535224/OK_Goog...

SilasX 12y ago
I know that consent would make it okay :-P It's just that: a) It doesn't alert you each time, b) you can use the Siri without getting such a notification (at least not frequently enough that I remember receiving one), c) Siri doesn't answer with "this is Siri and this call is being recorded", d) it's easy to trigger the recorder accidentally, e) it's not even clear to the user that the request is sent home for processing (rather than being handled locally), and f) this wouldn't cover bystanders.
- aroch 12y ago
  a-b) Affirmative consent isn't required every time...Once you've agreed -- which you're required to do the first time you use Siri/Cortona/Now -- they've fulfilled the legal requirement. c) Why would it? You've already consented. d) So? e) It tells you that your voice data may be processed online, it requires a data connection for processing. f) There's no law on the books anywhere, as far as I'm aware, that covers bystanders.
  - bhayden 12y ago
    for f), There are lots of states where it's illegal to record someone in real life without their consent or their being aware they're recorded. If someone used Siri next to me while I was talking, they'd (or maybe Apple) be breaking the law in some states.
    - aroch 12y ago
      That's only if you have intent. Accidental or incidental recording is not illegal in any of those states. Otherwise every person making a phone call in public could possibly be in violation.
      - bhayden 12y ago
        You're right, thanks.

by cbr 12y ago

SilasX 12y ago

I know that consent would make it okay :-P It's just that: a) It doesn't alert you each time, b) you can use the Siri without getting such a notification (at least not frequently enough that I remember receiving one), c) Siri doesn't answer with "this is Siri and this call is being recorded", d) it's easy to trigger the recorder accidentally, e) it's not even clear to the user that the request is sent home for processing (rather than being handled locally), and f) this wouldn't cover bystanders.

aroch 12y ago
a-b) Affirmative consent isn't required every time...Once you've agreed -- which you're required to do the first time you use Siri/Cortona/Now -- they've fulfilled the legal requirement. c) Why would it? You've already consented. d) So? e) It tells you that your voice data may be processed online, it requires a data connection for processing. f) There's no law on the books anywhere, as far as I'm aware, that covers bystanders.
- bhayden 12y ago
  for f), There are lots of states where it's illegal to record someone in real life without their consent or their being aware they're recorded. If someone used Siri next to me while I was talking, they'd (or maybe Apple) be breaking the law in some states.
  - aroch 12y ago
    That's only if you have intent. Accidental or incidental recording is not illegal in any of those states. Otherwise every person making a phone call in public could possibly be in violation.
    - bhayden 12y ago
      You're right, thanks.