Google Assistant Privacy changes and what it could mean for Alexa

Both Google and Apple were using data collection and recording well before the average user was aware of that. This was particularly evident for Apple and its Siri service, leading to many headlines, angry users, and a general PR nightmare for Apple.

Google has also inherited an aura of Big Brother with its data tracking and analyzing, leading to a similar uproar. Thus, it’s not surprising that Google is trying to circumvent that through greater privacy controls for users, whether audio files or search history.

Will Amazon follow suit with its Alexa services?

Most likely, yes, though without knowing Google’s specific plans, at this point it’s speculation. I predict that Amazon will change its data monitoring and listening services, if only to appease consumers so they are more likely to opt-into their services than to opt-out of them. It is highly likely other apps or platforms that collect customer data will follow, even innovate privacy and recording practices. Making opting-out will become more obvious, with customers knowing just what they are opting in and out of, and what potential information is shared with and about them.

Consumers and customers alike need to have transparent information about what and when their data is being collected, why, and what each company’s rationale is to benefit the customer, whether Google, Apple, Amazon or others. In other words, a value offering instead of a lurking fear that their info is being used with malintent?

As the founder & CTO of a B2B SaaS company, I understand the need for a balance between overly scaring our customers with details that could be fear mongering. The best way to avoid this is to be clear about data security and the value add of using services that store data on the cloud. Finally, listening to customer feedback.