Hannah Fry, a technology company algorithm expert, has warned users of virtual voice assistants to be wary of the technologies, claiming that the voice assistants do record private conversations.

Ms Fry explained that smart speakers, which are typically WiFi-enabled and have built-in voice assistants like Siri, Alexa or Echo, may be paying attention to conversations.

She suggested that users of these technologies be cautious about what they say in the presence of such technologies, and advocated for treating digital assistants like other visitors to one’s home.

“I think there are some spaces in your home, like the bedroom and bathroom, which should remain completely private. This technology is activated by a trigger word but it keeps recording for a short period afterward,” she said.

“People accept that, but we should all spend more time thinking about what it means for us,” Ms Fry added. 

She explained that not even “very senior” tech industry workers bring smartphones into their bedrooms, warning that buyers of low-cost technology with an internet-connected microphone should be cautious of what is said around the device.

Amazon has previously acknowledged that employees listen to customer conversations via Alexa, claiming that the recordings are used to enhance the Echo device’s comprehension of human speech.