You might use devices with voice activated software in your home or vehicle. As a consumer, you have a right to understand how these devices work and how they might impact your privacy. Voice activated technologies, such as smart speakers and personal digital assistants, rely on specific ‘wake words’ to initiate interaction. Some consumers are concerned about “false wakes,” where these devices misinterpret ambient noises as wake words. They then activate themselves even if the person did not mean to activate them. Once the devices “wake up” they can then record conversation that you might not have intended.

This Consumer Alert discusses how you can safeguard your privacy against unwanted surveillance.

Read the full alert here.