Amazon has announced a significant update to its Echo devices, removing the option for users to process Alexa requests locally. Moving forward, all voice recordings will be transmitted to Amazon’s cloud, a change aimed at enhancing Alexa’s functionality through generative AI, which relies heavily on cloud computing.

According to a report from Ars Technica, Amazon informed customers via email on Friday that the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” feature on Echo smart speakers and displays will be discontinued as of March 28.

Enhancing Alexa with Generative AI

The company explained that this shift is tied to the expansion of Alexa’s capabilities using generative AI, which requires the advanced processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud. This update coincides with the launch of a new version of the voice assistant, branded as Alexa+.

Privacy Concerns Resurface

The change has reignited discussions around privacy concerns, an issue Amazon has faced in the past. In 2023, the company agreed to pay $25 million to settle a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) case over alleged violations of children’s privacy laws.

While Amazon emphasizes the benefits of cloud-based processing for improving Alexa’s performance, the move has raised questions about data security and user privacy. As the tech giant continues to innovate, balancing functionality with privacy protections remains a critical challenge.