[yunohn]

Alexa uses the data we give to it by speaking and performing actions via downloaded skills - is very similar to all ad platforms, conveying user intent into ad profiles.

Saying “process voice for ads” has subtle connotations in the current landscape of privacy discussions.

[slg]

>Alexa uses the data we give to it by speaking and performing actions via downloaded skills - is very similar to all ad platforms, conveying user intent into ad profiles.

There is an argument that this is more privacy conscience than other ad platforms. One needs to say the word "Alexa" before Amazon will collect any potential targeting data. There is an active and distinct choice that must be made before every interaction. That isn't true for Google and Facebook. They will collect data in the background while you are doing other things. There is much less transparency in when and how they are collecting their targeting data and therefore we have much less agency in the process.

[fddhjjj]

As clarification, you are objecting to the phrase “process voice to [serve] ads” in the title which was provided by the submitter not the paper authors?

[yunohn]

From the abstract:

> We find that Amazon processes voice data to infer user interests and uses it to serve targeted ads on-platform

[bradleybuda]

For example, this sibling comment: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31178067

[anon4272728]

Unlike other ad platforms, Amazon claims that they do not use voice data for ad targeting. From paper:

Amazon has publicly stated that it does not use voice data for targeted advertisements [83], [75].

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/are-smart-speakers-plant...

[i_am_jl]

I'm sure Amazon isn't processing voice data to target ads. Why would they need to?

They're using skill interaction, order history, listening history, etc to target ads.

[mannykannot]

"Subtle connotations" are not much to make an objective complaint out of.