More privacy missteps cast cloud over voice-activated digital assistants

WASHINGTON – A series of privacy missteps in recent months has raised fresh concerns over the future of voice-activated online digital assistants, a growing market seen by some as the next frontier in computing. Recent incidents involving Google, Apple and Amazon devices underscore that despite strong growth in the market for smart speakers and devices, more work is needed to reassure consumers that their data is protected when they use the internet-connected technology. Apple said this past week that it was suspending its "Siri grading" program, in which staffers listen to snippets of conversations to improve its voice-recognition ability, after the Guardian newspaper in Britain reported that the contractors were hearing confidential medical information, criminal dealings and even sexual encounters. "We are committed to delivering a great Siri experience while protecting user privacy," Apple said in a statement, adding it would allow consumers to opt into this feature in a future software update. Google meanwhile said it would put a hold on listening to and transcribing conversations in the European Union gleaned from its Google Assistant, in the wake of a privacy investigation in Germany.