Amazon is removing a key privacy feature from Alexa, and here are the reasons behind the change.

Amazon has made the decision to remove one of the most important privacy features from its Echo devices. Starting March 28, 2025, users will no longer be able to prevent their interactions with Alexa be sent to the cloud, something that until now could be done by activating a specific option in the settings.

The change has raised concerns in some quarters, as it means the disappearance of a feature that allowed requests to be processed locally and prevented recordings from being transferred to Amazon's servers. Consequently, a new debate has arisen about privacy risks and how this measure affects the millions of users who have an Echo device in their homes.

A change linked to the arrival of Alexa+

According to information obtained from emails sent to Amazon customers, the removal of this feature is related to the implementation of Alexa+, a more advanced version of the voice assistant that will use technology Artificial Intelligence generativeThis new version requires greater processing capacity, something that can only be achieved with constant use of the cloud.

Amazon has explained that cloud voice processing will improve the user experience with more precise and personalized responsesHowever, this requires voice recordings to be sent directly to the company's servers for analysis.

Privacy and doubts among users

The use of virtual assistants has long been at the center of privacy debates. In the past, controversy arose when it was revealed that some Amazon employees were listening to user recordings to improve the service.

Now, the removal of this feature has raised concerns among some consumers. Compatible Echo devices will lose the 'Do not send voice recordings' option., which means all requests will be stored and processed in the cloud. Although Amazon claims there's an option to enable the "Do Not Save Recordings" feature, this won't prevent data from being sent to its servers first.

This highlights the need to explore additional Alexa skills, which can offer greater control over how data is used.

Alternatives for users concerned about their privacy

Although Amazon has tried to reassure its customers that security remains a priority, some users have begun to consider other measures to protect their privacy.

• Disable the storage of recordings: Amazon will allow users to opt out of saving recordings, although this will not prevent them from being initially sent to the cloud.
• Use Alexa only for basic functions: If the assistant is used only for simple tasks such as turning on lights or checking the weather, the impact of the change will be minor.
• Explore alternatives: Some users might consider other voice assistants that offer greater privacy guarantees.

How does this affect Echo devices?

It is important to note that this removal only affects certain Echo models that until now had local speech processing. According to information provided by Amazon, the Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15 were the devices that allowed this function, but as of March 28, All versions of Alexa will rely exclusively on the cloud..

For users in Spain and other countries outside the United States, the impact will be less, as this option was only available in English and in the United States.

Reactions to this announcement have been mixed, with some users expressing concern while others see little practical difference in using the device. However, This change represents a definitive step towards greater dependence on the cloud by Amazon in the development of its virtual assistant ecosystem.