Amazon will also let users request deletions
through an Alexa voice command. The use of
human reviewers will continue.
Tech companies have been reviewing their
practices in light of privacy concerns. There’s
greater concern when humans are involved
because of the potential for rogue employees or
contractors to leak private details embedded in
the voice commands.
When Facebook starts selling a new version of
its Portal video-calling gadget next month, the
company will resume using humans to review
voice interactions with the device. Users will be
able to decline, or opt out. People on existing
devices will get a notification pointing them to
the appropriate settings. New Portal users will
get the option when setting up.
Human reviews involving Facebook’s Messenger
app elsewhere remain suspended as Facebook
re-examines the privacy implications.
Google is also restarting the practice of
reviewing voice commands to improve its digital
assistant, though it’s now making it clear human
transcribers might listen to recordings. The
company also said it will delete most recordings
after a few months, and people can review their
recordings and delete them manually at any time.
Apple, which suspended the practice with Siri,
also plans to resume it this fall, but only after
getting explicit permission. Apple would not say
how it will seek permission.
As with Amazon, Microsoft didn’t suspend
the use of human reviewers. In response to
concerns, Microsoft added language in its
frequently asked questions for Skype to say
that using the translation service “may include
transcription of audio recordings by Microsoft
employees and vendors.”
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