You too can bring a slice of 1984 into your home with this lovely crafted listening device!
That having been said, if Google chooses to release the data to the government, it has an obligation to tell us about that or it will be behaving unethically. As matters stand, however, this is just a new technology with pros and cons.
Similar to bodycams for people like teachers or police. People argue they can wear them if they like to protect themselves against accusations, until they are so widely used that opting-out is not longer an option because it's seen a sign you are hiding something.
No, as far as I know that would be incorrect with NSLs in place. Gag order and such.
This has been successfully used by companies to indicate that "the canary has died" in a surveillance order.
Do you choose them in the office you work in?
Do you choose them in the store you're shopping in?
Do you choose them in the cafe you're talking in?
Do you choose them at the bus stop you're waiting in?
Do you choose them in the transit you're riding in?
Do you choose them in the car-share you're riding in?
That element of choice can close very quickly.
Sensors will and are turning up in light switches, lights, appliances, stereos, video and audio systems, advertising displays, and more.
Unless such devices are required, say, by law, to comply with some form of universal off switch.
Both have to be specifically placed, however. Common devices with location tracking and audio monitoring capabilities already exist. They can be targeted for monitoring, and to the best of my knowledge, are.
Some are actively monitoring activity on an ongoing basis -- e.g., someone's voice-enabled TV sets. I really can't even keep up with all this crap any more.
All of which is moot to the original point: that people can choose whether or not this equipment is in their environment or not. Effectively they cannot.
Absolutely. Just pointing out that we're on the path to adding always on cloud connected far field microphones in every other house in the country. Good luck "choosing" to not be listened to. The largest danger is self-censorship. "What is the risk somebody is listening to non-correct speech? I'd better watch what I say and not formulate non-correct speech."
Thank you.