Hero Amazon Refuses To Hand Over Privacy Data To Feds

REUTER/Peter Hobson

Jack Kocsis Director of Commerce
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In the post-Edward Snowden age, Amazon is the hero we need. The U.S. government completely forfeited its moral standing when it was revealed that agencies like the NSA spy on every aspect of day-to-day life. Or at least they try to. In 2016, there is one last bastion of privacy – what is said in the confines of one’s own home. And in 2016, the government is doing everything it can to access that.

The newest battle revolves around the Amazon Echo, the online retailer’s popular speaker/personal assistant. The Echo, which is powered by a female-voiced assistant dubbed Alexa, will answer any questions and help you with whatever you ask her. (She’ll also play music). All you have to do is grab “her” attention with her name – Alexa. She’s always listening for this command trigger. Apparently, the government thinks it should get access to this data, as an Arkansas prosecutor is demanding transcripts from the Echo in an attempt to solve a murder. The hero company that it is, Amazon stood up to the government and said “no.”

The Amazon Echo costs $180 (Photo via Amazon)

The Amazon Echo costs $180 (Photo via Amazon)

Amazon Echo, Black — $179.99

What is said in your own home is private. Simple as that. No matter the reason, the government does not have the right to go back and look at everything uttered under your roof in a given timespan. That is the definition of Big Brother. If we have no private spheres, what makes us distinct as individuals?

Thank you, Amazon, for recognizing this. You are the privacy hero we need.