Markey, Barton Prod Amazon Over Children’s Version of Alexa
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, wrote Amazon Friday, prodding the company about child privacy issues with the new Echo Dot Kids Edition (see 1804250061 or 1805010067). Geared toward children ages 5 to 12, the digital assistant…
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device records and stores voice recordings and other data. Markey and Barton asked Amazon how the device complies with the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act. “While these types of artificial intelligence and voice recognition technology offer potentially new education and entertainment opportunities, Americans’ privacy, particularly children’s privacy, must be paramount,” the lawmakers wrote to CEO Jeff Bezos. An Amazon spokeswoman said the company received the letter and is working with Markey’s office to address each question: “Amazon takes privacy and security seriously, and [Amazon’s FreeTime Unlimited subscription service] on Alexa is no different.” The device works in tandem with FreeTime, the children’s version of Amazon’s Alexa. Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and the Center for Digital Democracy joined experts warning the device poses “significant threats to children’s wellbeing and privacy.”