The report (opens in new tab) is based on allegations made by an anonymous Apple employee, who told the newspaper they are aware of “countless instances” where Siri recordings featuring sensitive information are snooped on. Medical records, confidential business information, criminal activity, and noisy romantic encounters are said to be some of the things the contractors have tuned in to.
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Is Apple listening to your Siri recordings?
In a manner of speaking, yes. While Apple has sought to play down the news, it has also admitted that some Siri recordings are listened to – less than 1% of daily activations, it claims – to help improve the digital assistant. “A small portion of Siri requests are analysed to improve Siri and dictation. User requests are not associated with the user’s Apple ID. Siri responses are analysed in secure facilities and all reviewers are under the obligation to adhere to Apple’s strict confidentiality requirements," Apple told The Guardian. If you find these allegations worrying, don’t worry – there’s a relatively simple way to stop your Siri recordings from being made available to Apple and its partners.
How to stop Apple potentially listening to your Siri recordings
As first spotted (opens in new tab) by 9to5Mac, GitHub users Jan Kaiser has shared an iOS profile that allows you to quickly turn off Siri’s ability to log server-side information. The following steps are based on our experience with an iPhone, but should be similar on an iPad. You’ve now successfully stopped Apple from being able to potentially listen to your Siri recordings, while still being able to make use of the ‘Hey Siri’ prompt. Best computer protection software 2022 Best internet filter software 2023: Website blockers to protect your family Best internet security software 2023: Protect your online devices Best antivirus software 2023: Stay safe online with premium and free software Best identity theft protection services 2023 Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure Best encryption software 2023 Reviews Avast Secure Browser Pro review 2023 AVG Antivirus 2021 review Malwarebytes Privacy review HomePod users can’t install specific profiles on their device, however, so the best workaround for them is to disable active listening. This is a pretty big deal, as it takes away the convenience of being able to interface with your speaker by saying ‘Hey Siri’, but it’s the best we’re are of at the moment. To do this, simply say ‘Hey Siri, stop listening’ and your HomePod should turn off active listening.
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