Seven horn-loaded tweeters, six microphone array, one high-excursion woofer, and a partridge in a pear tree! This fancy smart speaker from Apple comes with six built in smart microphones. That's a lot of listening. Apple promises anything you say after "Hey Siri" is encrypted and associated to a random identifier to Apple's servers though, so you should be safe. Apple also claims this speaker has a big brain with spatial awareness and can learn all about the room you put it in to deliver the best sound. When you listen to those 11 drummers drumming they're gonna sound awesome.
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Apple does a pretty good job with privacy and security as a company. They don't share or sell your data and Apple takes special care to make sure your Siri requests aren't associated with you. Apple did face backlash in 2019 when it came to light their contractors were regularly listening in on confidential personal conversations when they were reviewing the voice assistant's recordings. Apple changed their policy so users weren't automatically opted-in to human voice review. However, it's always good to remember if you buy this product you're bringing six quality microphones that are always listening into your home. Here's hoping Apple doesn't let more strangers listen in to all you say!
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: N/A
Microphone
Device: Yes
App: N/A
Tracks location
Device: No
App: N/A
What can be used to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third-party account
No
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Name, email, phone number, address
Body related
Voice recordings, if you opt-in
Social
Contact list
How does the company use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record of protecting users’ data?
They actually changed their Siri voice recording review practices—from an opt out to an opt-in—when people told them they were unhappy having contractors listen to the recordings. Good for them! In 2019, The Guardian reported that Apple hired contractors to review snippets of call recordings; these contractors "regularly heard confidential details… as part of their job providing quality control, or "grading," the company's Siri voice assistant." As a result of this revelation, Apple has changed Siri's privacy policy to no longer retain Voice recordings. Users can opt-in to providing audio samples. Apple employees will be the only ones to listen to recordings.
Can this product be used offline?
A WiFi connection is required to set it up.
User-friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption in transit and at rest. After Apple recognizes the words “Hey Siri,” what you say is encrypted and associated with a random identifier without being tied to your Apple ID. Audio samples are only retained if you have opted-in.
Strong password
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Apple has a bug bounty program, which means that anyone who finds a security issue and discloses it responsibly may get paid. https://developer.apple.com/security-bounty/
Privacy policy
Apple has a webpage highlighting its privacy principles and features. Apple begins its privacy policy with a statement of principles. While this statement is very long, it is clearly broken out into relevant topics.
Does the product use AI?
Apple employs machine learning in many different ways, from using it to to improve Siri to using it to sharpen the photos that you take. Apple states in its privacy policy, "Apple does not take any decisions involving the use of algorithms or profiling that significantly affect you." Some of its research can be found at https://machinelearning.apple.com/.
Is this AI untrustworthy?
What kind of decisions does the AI make about you or for you?
Is the company transparent about how the AI works?
Does the user have control over the AI features?
Dive Deeper
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How to keep the smart speaker you got for the holidays and still keep some of your privacy, tooVox
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Apple’s AI plan: a thousand small conveniencesThe Verge
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Apple apologises for allowing workers to listen to Siri recordingsThe Guardian
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