Security News > 2020 > August > Google Fixes Mysterious Audio Recording Blip in Smart Speakers

After Google Home users started receiving mysterious alerts when their fire alarms went off or their plates smashed in their homes, Google acknowledged that it accidentally rolled out a feature causing the smart devices to record sounds without the voice prompt.

Google for its part said that the alerts are part of a subscription service called "Nest Aware," first launched in May. As part of this service, users of Google cameras, speakers and displays can pay for the devices to detect any "Critical" sound in their home and send them an alert on their phones while they are away from their homes.

As part of the partnership, Google will combine its Nest devices, services and technology with ADT's leadership position providing security solutions for millions of homes and small businesses in the U.S. "Over time, Nest's devices, powered by Google's machine learning capabilities will enhance ADT's security monitoring and become the cornerstone of ADT's smart home offering," according to Google in its announcement of the partnership.

Google and Amazon's virtual assistants drew criticism last year after they were caught eavesdropping without permission - with Google Home devices capturing and recording highly personal audio of domestic violence, confidential business calls - and even some users asking their smart speakers to play porn on their connected mobile devices.

"The important message to any vendor with active smart microphones is that transparency and consent for the users when the device is recording is critical, especially at a time when many employees are working from home and sensitive business details might be leaking via nearby smart devices. The good news is that Google reported the privacy incident and made an improvement to notify and alert the user when a recording have been made."

News URL

https://threatpost.com/google-fixes-mysterious-audio-recording-blip-in-smart-speakers/158219/