What do you guys think about alexa and google home? These devices constantly upload all private conversations happening between families, to their server, which their employees have access to. I'm really worried about privacy and security of those families, but they don't seem to worry much. (I understand that most of the mobile devices can be turned into spying devices by US govt, but still this is scary).
@raining_night I've had an Echo for quite some time now. I agree, however, that it is most concerning in terms of privacy. I've found that most of the things I do with- setting alarms, reminders, timers- could be done with my phone, almost more efficiently, considering the voice recognition can occasionally be a little infuriating. But I keep it around, at least partly because I dream of one day making an IoT device of my own and writing an Alexa skill for it.
@dayvancowboy @raining_night
I think those devices are very risky, considering who is selling them and their geo location and legal jurisdiction. Plus the character of the federal administration.
No thanks for me. But any mobile device could be spying on you as well, unless you removed the battery completely (why would manufacturer's have removed this option on newer models, eh?) or place them inside a shielded room (cutting off radio all together).
@design_RG @dayvancowboy @raining_night
My only smart phone isn't phone capable. Basically it's a cast-off I use for calculator and stopwatch. I don't even have its wifi turned on.
My flip phone stays on my desk 99.99% of the time. When I leave home, I leave my phone at home (except for that rare case when I know I will actually need it for something... once every year or two). Very easy to remove the battery if I were ever inclined.
No "smart" tv. No IOT devices. No "assistants."
@sda
I think you are doing well. Use only what you need, and reduce the cost, privacy risk and anxiety from constant notifications.
I only carry one occasionally, other than when I am traveling and able to buy a local SIM card and service for reasonable prices.
Regarding the battery removal, I recall that being done on "Enemy of the State" film, which was quite interesting.
@sda I guess, it is very difficult to live like this. Not everyone can afford to go out without their mobile phones because most of us are addicted to those. Also, to make online payments in shops, mobile become necessary.
@raining_night
These ideas would require some changes, RN. I don't use a mobile for payments, but a card; debit or credit, which I prefer, getting a small cash back on it.
Data Service here in Canada is expensive, so I only have a very basic prepaid voice and text plan, for emergencies when I am out riding my bikes or driving in town. If I travel to Europe, which I really like to do, then I can get full service at a reasonable price, and enjoy the data everywhere for maps and occasional posting updates.
@dayvancowboy @raining_night
Even before Edward Snowden's revelations and supporting evidence, there were persistent rumours for years that taps had been set into some of the largest Internet exchanges.
Like the one in San Francisco, which was the incoming point for various trans-Pacific fiber links. Rumour had it that some federal organ had leased an entire floor below the exchange, and installed hardware above mirroring ALL traffic to their own floor. For processing and archival uses apparently.