Google chief: I'd disclose smart speakers before guests enter my home

Post by jachee » Thu, Oct 17, 2019, 2:32 PM UTC

cmsonger wrote: post #175

saluki wrote: post #115

I was a huge Google Fan but this is becoming lunacy. I understood trading some data and privacy for great search results, maps and free quality email. But people willingly bringing always on listening devices in to their homes (beyond what smartphones are already capable of) I just can't comprehend it. Why would people voluntarily do this in exchange for being able to ask for weather, play a playlist, add a todo and…

My personal view is that the biggest issue here is the lack of user protection. I'd be a LOT less concerned about this if the appropriate legal framework protected me. The Star Trek vision of voice as an interface is a good vision. The question is how the regulatory framework protects users in this world and keeps it from being the dystopian nightmare that our "for profit corporations get to do whatever they like as…

Post by saluki » Thu, Oct 17, 2019, 2:35 PM UTC

bluedevilzn wrote: post #155

saluki wrote: post #149

Earlier quoted context omitted.

y, I agree it's not just Google. I think allowing any company or government having an open mic/'smart' speaker, essentially bugging your own home/business is just a bad idea. "I actually am less worried about those (since I turn them off)" - are you sure they are off, had to ask. I'm not as worried about Netflix/Amazon knowing every movie I watch, product I order or am interested in. I'm more worried about private co…

Nest/Google Home devices have a hardware mute button. They are off when they are off.

Post by BlueTemplar » Thu, Oct 17, 2019, 2:35 PM UTC

SamBam wrote: post #146

greggman2 wrote: post #142

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I hate not having privacy but I don't understand singling Google out here. Siri is listening (both on phones and on Apple' homepod), Alexa is listening, Cortana is listening, ... I actually am less worried about those (since I turn them off) than I do about Netflix/Amazon knowing every movie I watch. Amazon knowing every product I order. My Credit Card and Bank company knowing every business I transact with. My Mac a…

I don't see anything in the parent comment that says this is a Google-only issue. Also, the Netflix and Amazon examples don't seem to be in the same category, to me. Every time you interact with Netflix and Amazon, you are doing so deliberately. You are choosing exactly what to give them. You can easily pick another service. Always-on listening devices, on the other hand, are taking data that you did not choose to gi…

Post by WillPostForFood » Thu, Oct 17, 2019, 2:38 PM UTC

jbarberu wrote: post #139

WillPostForFood wrote: post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Nest thermostats don’t have microphones. Houses have had security cameras long before Google existed, as have a large percentage of retail businesses, banks, gas stations, convenience stores, government offices.

I'd wager most people adjust their behavior accordingly. I would absolutely expect privacy inside a home. If a friend had cameras inside their home I'd probably even opt to meet in public, where at least there's no false sense of privacy.

Post by bonestamp2 » Thu, Oct 17, 2019, 2:40 PM UTC

XJ6 wrote: post #12

LudwigNagasena wrote: post #2

>"Gosh, I haven't thought about this before in quite this way," Osterloh said. "It's quite important for all these technologies to think about all users... we have to consider all stakeholders that might be in proximity." How much do they not care about privacy that a chief exec with an army of lawyers and advisors "haven't thought about this before"?

All "big tech" are at it, I tried to go to "My Pictures" the other day and microsoft asked me to run my pictures through facial recognition. They said that by consenting I was asserting I had the consent of anyone who appeared in any of my photos or might appear in future which is insane to ask of anyone, no-one can really give that third party consent. Then when I refused they showed me a nag screen which didn't hav…