It’s become a running joke: mention a holiday destination in passing and suddenly your phone is showing ads for flights. Or ask aloud about a new sofa, only to find your smart speaker “coincidentally” recommending homeware playlists. It’s no wonder many people believe their gadgets are always listening.

But how much of that paranoia is justified? AI assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant are designed to make our lives easier, not to eavesdrop at will. That doesn’t mean they aren’t collecting data — they are — but understanding what’s actually recorded, where it goes, and how you can control it makes a big difference.

Let’s tackle the myths to explain what’s really happening when you talk to your devices …

What AI Assistants Actually Record

Smart assistants aren’t permanently tuned into your conversations. Instead, they’re waiting for a “wake word” — “Alexa”, “Hey Siri”, or “OK Google.” Once that trigger is detected, the device begins recording and transmits your request to the cloud for processing.

What’s captured typically includes:

• The command itself – what you ask for, word for word.
• A short buffer of audio before the wake word – so the assistant can check it was activated correctly.
• Any accidental activations – when the assistant mistakes another word for its wake word.

These accidental triggers are more common than most people realise. A stray phrase on the TV or a half-heard word can set devices off, meaning snippets of unintended conversation can sometimes be recorded.

Where the Data Goes

When you give a command, the recording doesn’t stay on the device. Instead, it’s sent securely to cloud servers where the AI interprets your request. This is how the assistant learns to differentiate “play jazz” from “what’s the weather?”and gets better at recognising your accent or phrasing over time.

Most major providers — Amazon, Apple, Google — store these audio snippets alongside transcripts of what was said. Some of this data is then used to train their models, improving accuracy and adding new features. In the past, it’s been revealed that a fraction of these recordings were reviewed by human contractors to check accuracy. That caused understandable concern, though all the main providers now stress that such reviews are limited and anonymised. Still, it highlights that your voice data isn’t just vanishing into the ether.

The Real Risks

So, are your gadgets spying on you? Not exactly — but there are risks worth being aware of.

• Accidental recordings – If your assistant mishears, snippets of unrelated conversation can end up stored in the cloud.
• Data retention – Unless you adjust settings, voice histories can be kept indefinitely, building up a detailed log of your interactions.
• Profiling – Companies may link requests with your account, using it to refine personalised services or advertising.
• Security leaks – Any online system can be vulnerable to hacking, although big tech firms invest heavily in protection.

The key takeaway: AI assistants aren’t secretly recording everything, but they are collecting specific interactions that can reveal more about your habits than you might expect.

Myths vs. Reality

It’s worth separating some of the more common myths from what’s actually happening:

• Myth: They’re always listening to everything.
• Reality: They’re always waiting, but only record once triggered — intentionally or accidentally.
• Myth: Ads prove my phone is eavesdropping.
• Reality: Ads are usually based on search history, browsing, or location data — which is often more revealing than voice.
• Myth: Deleting recordings doesn’t work.
• Reality: All major providers now allow you to delete stored recordings via settings or app dashboards.

How to Take Control

If you like the convenience of voice assistants but want more control over your privacy, the good news is that there are steps you can take.

• Review your history – Check Alexa, Siri, or Google accounts for stored voice recordings and delete anything you don’t want saved.
• Change data retention settings – Opt for auto-deletion after three or 18 months rather than indefinite storage.
• Turn off “always listening” – On many devices, you can disable the microphone until you actively press a button.
• Mute when not in use – A simple mute switch stops accidental activations.
• Limit permissions – Check app and device settings to control what data is shared with third parties.

For most people, the balance lies somewhere in the middle: keeping the features that genuinely help, while trimming back unnecessary data collection.

Balancing Convenience and Privacy

Voice assistants can be genuinely useful: hands-free timers while cooking, accessibility for those with limited mobility, or quick updates while driving. But that convenience does come with a cost in data.

The important thing is to understand what’s collected, why it’s stored, and how much you’re comfortable sharing. Treat voice assistants as you would any other connected service: use them where they add value, and adjust the settings to fit your personal comfort level.