Apple voice-data setting prompts privacy warning from Engadget
Apple says its “Improve Siri & Dictation” setting supports speech-related services, while allowing selected audio, transcripts and request data to be reviewed by employees and trusted providers.
Apple users who have enabled the company’s “Improve Siri & Dictation” setting may be allowing Apple and trusted third-party service providers to process audio recordings, transcripts and related data from Siri, dictation and translation, according to Engadget.
The data may include the timing and location of requests, device specifications, performance statistics and interaction categories. Engadget reports that Apple may also review contextual information, such as contacts or downloaded apps, while only a selected group of interactions is reviewed.
Apple says the information is used to improve Siri, Search, Voice Control, Translate and automatic speech-recognition models. The company says request history is not directly linked to an Apple Account or email address, with recordings associated instead with a rotating, device-generated identifier.
Apple generally retains voice data for up to two years, although some information may remain longer. The company says reviewers are subject to confidentiality obligations and that it does not sell request history to marketers, but its policy also allows the information to be processed or stored by trusted third-party providers.
Engadget advises users who are uncomfortable with the arrangement to disable the setting. Apple allows users to switch it off across its devices and delete Siri and dictation history stored locally on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.
