Google Home devices reportedly recorded noises even without the “Hey Google” prompt due to the inadvertent rollout of a home security system feature.
After Google Home users started receiving mysterious alerts when their fire alarms went off or their plates smashed in their homes, Google acknowledged that it accidentally rolled out a feature causing the smart devices to record sounds without the voice prompt. Reports of the privacy faux pas began after one Reddit user reported earlier in August that Google sent him a phone notification saying that the smoke detector in his home had been triggered. Others said they were notified of possible glass breaking when some dishes broke or when they were watching television. These reported incidents surprised Google Home users as the devices are only supposed to record audio when prompted with specific commands, including “Hey Google” or “OK Google.”
threatpost.com
