Google Home
"Hey Google!" will become your new favorite greeting. Hey Google, turn on the lights. Hey Google, play Bohemian Rhapsody. Hey Google, what are the symptoms of toe fungus? Hey Google, are you still listening to me? From the Mini to the Max, these smart speakers (smart microphones?) are fun and useful...and maybe just a bit creepy? Tell us on the Creep-O-Meter below!
What could happen if something goes wrong?
Google gets to know you really well, maybe too well. They know you have a mouse problem because you keep asking for ways to get rid of mice. They recognize your voice from all the times you ordered plain cheese pizza. They know you are single because who orders plain cheese pizza? Just kidding, they know you're single because of all those pedicure appointments you've booked for one. Maybe it's OK Google knows you so well. Maybe it's creepy. It's all fun and games until those weirdly specific targeted political ads start tracking you all around the internet.
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: No
App: Yes
Microphone
Device: Yes
App: Yes
Tracks location
Device: No
App: Yes
What can be used to sign up?
Can’t Determine
Phone
Can’t Determine
Third-party account
Can’t Determine
What data does the company collect?
Personal
Body related
Social
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?
Can this product be used offline?
User-friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption in transit and at rest.
Strong password
Do you have to create a strong password?
Security updates
Does it get regular software/firmware updates?
Manages vulnerabilities
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Privacy policy
Does it have a privacy policy?
Does the product use AI?
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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Alexa and Google Home abused to eavesdrop and phish passwordsArs Technica
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With a Laser, Researchers Say They Can Hack Alexa, Google Home or SiriNY Times
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Google collects face data now. Here's what it means and how to opt outCNET
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Google exec says Nest owners should probably warn their guests that their conversations are being recordedBusiness Insider
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How to opt out of human review of your voice assistant recordingsMozilla
Comments
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