MPS examine ‘sinister side’ of virtual assistants over spying fears

THE Amazon Alexa’s “sinister side” is to be investigated by MPS over concerns that smart speakers may be spying on their owners.

The digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) committee is starting an inquiry to explore how virtual assistants such as Alexa and Siri, as well as wearable tech like Fitbits, are affecting users, and what the implications are for privacy and data collection.

The committee said it would examine the risks and rewards of connected technology, such as “whether it should be properly designed to protect everyone in society and to what extent the current rules governing smart technology are fit for a rapidly changing future”.

MPS said they would examine the technology’s impact on different parts of society, such as young or elderly people, or people with disabilities.

They will also consider how to encourage design that is “safe, secure, environmentally and user-friendly and human rights compliant”.

It comes amid a growing backlash against the way technology giants collect and use customer data. Many of these devices are ubiquitous in UK homes, but often customers do not understand how their personal information is being used.

Julian Knight, a Conservative MP who chairs the committee, said: “With such a smart set-up connected to the outside world ... there is always the danger it will have a more sinister side, with users potentially sacrificing privacy, put at risk of cyber crime, or left open to uncovering harmful content online.”