# **Amazon to Eliminate “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” Option on Echo Devices**
Amazon has revealed plans to eliminate a privacy feature that permits certain Echo device owners to stop Alexa from transmitting voice recordings to the cloud. This modification, set to commence on **March 28, 2025**, has sparked worries among users who are concerned about privacy and relied on this feature for securing their voice interactions.
## **What Is Changing?**
At present, a selection of Echo devices enables users to activate a **”Do Not Send Voice Recordings”** option, ensuring that Alexa handles voice commands locally instead of forwarding them to Amazon’s cloud servers. However, Amazon has opted to remove this functionality.
An email sent to those affected informed them that this change is part of Amazon’s initiative to enhance Alexa’s features with **generative AI**, which necessitates cloud-based processing.
When the change takes place:
– The **”Do Not Send Voice Recordings”** setting will no longer be accessible.
– Users who do not respond will see their settings automatically changed to **”Don’t save recordings.”**
– Voice recordings will continue to be sent to the cloud for processing but will be deleted right away.
– **Voice ID** will cease to operate, and users will be unable to create a new Voice ID unless they consent to recordings being saved.
## **Amazon’s Explanation**
Amazon spokesperson **Lauren Raemhild** articulated the rationale behind this decision, indicating that the company is prioritizing privacy tools that align with the incoming **AI-powered Alexa+** experience. She reassured consumers that Amazon remains dedicated to privacy and security, stressing that users will still have the option to stop their recordings from being retained.
## **Who Is Affected?**
The **local processing** capability was limited to a select number of devices, including:
– **Echo Dot (4th Gen)**
– **Echo Show 10**
– **Echo Show 15**
Moreover, this feature was only available to **U.S. users** with their devices configured to **English**. If your Echo device does not meet these criteria, you likely never had access to this feature initially.
## **The Link to Alexa+**
The elimination of this feature seems to be part of Amazon’s wider strategy to introduce **Alexa+**, a more sophisticated AI-driven version of its voice assistant. Although Amazon has not formally disclosed a release date for Alexa+, the timing of this modification implies that the launch could begin around **March 28, 2025**.
## **What Can Users Do?**
If you have privacy concerns, you still have several alternatives:
1. **Activate “Don’t Save Recordings”** – Although Alexa will still transmit voice data to the cloud, it will be removed immediately post-processing.
2. **Delete Voice Recordings Manually** – Users can regularly erase their Alexa voice history using the Alexa app.
3. **Disable Alexa’s Microphone** – Certain Echo devices feature a physical microphone mute button that stops Alexa from listening.
4. **Explore Alternative Smart Assistants** – For those prioritizing privacy, other smart assistants may provide more robust local processing options.
## **Final Thoughts**
Amazon’s choice to remove the **”Do Not Send Voice Recordings”** option underscores the increasing dependence on cloud-based AI processing. While this change facilitates more sophisticated Alexa functionalities, it also raises issues regarding user privacy and data protection.
As the technology sector shifts towards more AI-centric experiences, users must consider the advantages of improved features against potential privacy compromises. For the time being, Echo users should assess their settings and determine how they wish to handle their voice data before this change takes effect in **March 2025**.
