Amazon’s Alexa, sent a complete stranger’s 1,700 audio files, to a user after he requested access to his own recordings.

The man had requested access to his data under the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but instead, received the audio files of a complete stranger.

The man, who lives in Germany, said he had informed Amazon of the issue but got no reply.

The files remained downloaded on his computer but were later deleted from the link Amazon sent him.

The online retail giant said in a statement; “This was an unfortunate case of human error and an isolated incident.”

“We have resolved the issue with the two customers involved and have taken steps to further improve our processes. We were also in touch on a precautionary basis with the relevant regulatory authorities.”

Even When You’re in the Shower?
The story was first reported by technlogy magazine C’t in Germany.

It reported that it was able to get in touch with the person in question via the recordings the man provided to the magazine.

According to C’t, the audio files revealed a lot of personal data including where he lived, who his partner is and his taste in music.

It also said that some of the recordings were from when he was in the shower.

Anyone wishing to find out what Amazon records when they communicate with Alexa can do so via Amazon’s website. They can also delete the stored audio files.

In May, it was revealed that a conversation between a couple in Portland, Oregon was sent to a random person in their contacts list.

By: ClaraDoku/techvoiceafrica.com