Smart home devices are convenient. They're also microphones and cameras connected to corporate servers, always on, always listening. Here's what Amazon, Google, and Ring actually collect — and what you can do about it.
Amazon Alexa
Every voice command you give Alexa is recorded and stored on Amazon's servers. Amazon employees and contractors have access to these recordings to improve voice recognition. In 2019, Bloomberg reported that Amazon workers were listening to thousands of Alexa recordings daily.
To review and delete your recordings: Open the Alexa app → More → Settings → Alexa Privacy → Review Voice History. You can delete individual recordings or your entire history. Also go to amazon.com/alexaprivacysettings to disable "Use voice recordings to improve Amazon services."
Google Home / Google Nest
Same situation as Alexa. Google records your voice commands and stores them. Go to myactivity.google.com and filter by Google Assistant to see your recordings. You can delete them here.
In the Google Home app, go to Settings → Google Assistant → Data & Privacy and turn off "Include voice and audio activity" to stop future recordings from being stored.
Ring Doorbell and Security Cameras
Ring is owned by Amazon. Your Ring footage is stored on Amazon's servers. Law enforcement can — and frequently does — request your Ring footage without a warrant through Ring's Neighbors app and law enforcement portal. Amazon disclosed that it provided Ring footage to police 11 times in the first half of 2022 without user consent under "emergency" provisions.
To reduce your exposure: In the Ring app, go to Account → Privacy Settings — disable sharing with the Neighbors app and opt out of the law enforcement portal if the option is available in your region.
What These Devices Share With Third Parties
Smart home devices share data with advertising partners. A 2020 study found that smart TVs and smart speakers send data to Netflix, Facebook, Google, and dozens of other third parties — even when you're not actively using those services.
The Privacy-Conscious Smart Home Setup
If you want smart home functionality without the surveillance, consider:
- Home Assistant — open-source, runs locally on your own hardware, no cloud connection required
- Thread/Matter-compatible devices — newer smart home standard designed for local control
- Using smart plugs and bulbs that work over local Wi-Fi without cloud accounts
At minimum, put your smart home devices on a separate network segment (most routers support a guest network or VLAN) so they can't interact with your computers and phones.