Whether you’re asking directions or drunkenly swearing, Google never
forgets, recording everything you’ve ever said to it. Do you dare listen
back? Google has microphones everywhere.Users of Google’s voice-control features such as OK Google are probably
aware that the company stores the voice recordings it receives when they
talk to it. But it’s still a bit of a shock to be confronted with a
list of all the recordings the company has ever made of you.
Google’s voice
and audio activity page isn’t promoted heavily by the company, and
visiting it gives a hint as to why. If you have (or have ever had) an
Android phone with Google’s “OK Google” voice-control system, the page
should show a
list of every command you have ever given it – replete
with a little play button next to it.
The
feature is one of a number of attempts by the company to demystify its
data-collection service. Similarly, Google offers a location history,
showing users any location the company has tracked them to, through apps
such as Google Maps as well as simply using an Android phone.
But
in both cases, the features create a sense of unease just as strongly
as they do reassurance. Yes, it’s good to be able to see what the
company keeps. But it’s also a stark reminder of just how much it has in
the first place.
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