Voice Assistants and Privacy: How Much Do Alexa, Siri, and Google Know About You? | IJCT Volume 12 – Issue 6 | IJCT-V12I6P22
International Journal of Computer Techniques
ISSN 2394-2231
Author
Syeda Firdous Fatema , Prajwal Prakash Kulkarni ,
Assistant Prof. Rubina Sheikh
Abstract
Voice assistants have fundamentally transformed the landscape of human-computer interaction, ushering in an era of conversational computing that was once confined to science fiction. Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant represent the vanguard of this technological revolution, offering users unprecedented convenience through natural language interfaces. These AI-powered systems have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, embedded in smartphones, smart speakers, automobiles, and an expanding ecosystem of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The proliferation of voice assistants reflects a broader shift toward ambient computing, where technology becomes increasingly invisible yet omnipresent. Users can now control smart home devices, make purchases, access information, schedule appointments, and perform countless other tasks through simple voice commands. This hands-free interaction model has proven particularly valuable for accessibility, enabling individuals with mobility limitations to interact with technology more easily.
However, the convenience of voice assistants comes with significant privacy implications that are often poorly understood by users. These devices operate on an “always-listening” paradigm, continuously monitoring ambient audio for wake words or activation phrases. This constant surveillance capability, combined with the intimate nature of voice data and the potential for accidental activations, creates a complex privacy landscape that demands careful examination.
The voice data collected by these systems is extraordinarily rich, containing not only the explicit content of user requests but also implicit information such as emotional state, health conditions, personal relationships, daily routines, and even physical location. This biometric data is processed through sophisticated machine learning algorithms that can infer patterns and preferences, creating detailed user profiles that extend far beyond the original voice commands.
Keywords
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Conclusion
The identified limitations significantly affect the generalizability of research findings. Results should be interpreted as indicative of privacy practices and user attitudes within the specific sample and context studied, rather than definitive conclusions applicable to all voice assistant users globally.
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How to Cite This Paper
Syeda Firdous Fatema , Prajwal Prakash Kulkarni ,
Assistant Prof. Rubina Sheikh (2025). Voice Assistants and Privacy: How Much Do Alexa, Siri, and Google Know About You?. International Journal of Computer Techniques, 12(6). ISSN: 2394-2231.
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