Google Assistant is a virtual assistant software developed by Google, designed for use on mobile devices and home automation systems. It allows users to interact primarily through natural voice commands. The Assistant can answer questions, set up events and alarms, adjust hardware settings on the user’s device, access and display information from Google accounts, play games, and more.
In July 2019, the Belgian public broadcaster VRT NWS revealed that third-party contractors were hired to transcribe audio recordings collected by Google Assistant in Russia. The recordings included sensitive information inadvertently captured from Google Home devices and Android phones due to accidental hotword activation. These recordings contained private data such as names, addresses, business discussions, and even bedroom conversations. Out of over 1,000 recordings analyzed, 153 were captured without the activation phrase "OK, Google."
In July 2019, the Belgian public broadcaster VRT NWS revealed that third-party contractors were hired to transcribe audio recordings collected by Google Assistant in Russia. The recordings included sensitive information inadvertently captured from Google Home devices and Android phones due to accidental hotword activation. These recordings contained private data such as names, addresses, business discussions, and even bedroom conversations. Out of over 1,000 recordings analyzed, 153 were captured without the activation phrase "OK, Google."