Privacy Risks of Smart Speakers

Smart speakers are becoming one of the most convenient gadgets in our homes. 2017 saw a proliferation of smart speakers like Amazon's Echo and Echo Dot and Google Home. With the addition of the Apple HomePod, the smart speaker market is expected to reach $25 billion by 2020. These devices can not only play music, but also listen to user queries and provide information from the network. While there's no doubt that these smart speakers are a delightful addition to your home, they can also create privacy holes. By understanding the privacy risks of owning a smart speaker, you can help protect your home.

One of the most convenient aspects of owning a smart speaker is being able to control it from across the room, even if your hands are busy. Simply say, "Okay Google, play me some jazz" or "Alexa, play Justin Bieber's sorry" and the music will start filling the air. To do this, the device is always listening for the keyword that activates the device.

However, as with any such system, there can be problems. Your smart speaker might think it heard a keyword, but just misunderstood a conversation. This allows the smart speaker to listen to your instructions and possibly take action based on what it thinks it hears. Usually this might not be a problem, but it might violate your privacy.