Daijiworld Media Network - Washington (SHP)

Washington, Aug 9: On Wednesday, Microsoft admitted that its contractors listen to Skype and Cortana conversations, to hone voice translation features, but only after obtaining user permission. “Microsoft collects voice data to provide and improve voice-enabled services like search, voice commands, dictation or translation services. We strive to be transparent about our collection and use of voice data to ensure customers can make informed choices about when and how their voice data is used.” Microsoft said in response to an AFP inquiry.

The tech giant, defended its stand by stating that customer permission is asked before collecting voice data and privacy precautions are carried out which include stripping away identifying information before sharing with vendors who are assigned with the enhancement of the software or services. Microsoft also claimed to check whether vendors met the privacy standards as per the European law.

This issue got highlighted after several incidents of tech giants including Microsoft came under scrutiny when a series of privacy missteps in recent months was observed. It raised concerns over the future of voice-controlled digital assistants. Google, Apple and Amazon devices highlighted that despite growth in market for smart speakers and devices is seen, customers need to be given assurance over their data remaining safe.

Apple scrapped its ‘Siri grading’ programme, where snippets of conversations are listened to, so as to improve the voice recognition technology, after a British newspaper reported that the contractors were listening to information of sensitive nature. Meanwhile, Google has put its action of listening and recording of conversations in the European Union from its Google Assistant on hold, after privacy investigation in Germany was carried out.