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Audio from Amazon Echo Sought in Murder Case

SV Staff  |  Dec 28, 2016

In a blog he posted in October 2015, Ken Pohlmann expressed privacy concerns about the always-on microphones in Amazon’s Internet-connected Echo speaker/personal assistant. Could it be hacked? What are the ramifications of having an Internet-connected device in your home that is always listening?

An Arkansas man accused of murder will find out when he goes to trial next year.

In a case that is the first of its kind, Bentonville police have issued a warrant to compel Amazon to turn over audio and other data from an Echo owned by James Andrew Bates, charged with first-degree murder in the death of Victor Collins, according to a report in The Information, a subscription news site specializing in “deeply-reported articles about the technology industry.”

Authorities are seeking audio that the Echo might have picked up on the night of the 2015 murder. Amazon turned Bates' account information over to authorities but refused to release any recordings from the device, according to a local TV news report.

Bates had several other smart devices in his home, including a water meter, which showed that 140 gallons of water were used in Bates’ home the night of the murder, according to engadget. Collins was found dead in Bates' hot tub.

Investigators allege the water was used to wash away evidence. Bates’ attorney argues the information from the Amazon Echo shouldn’t be allowed in the case. “You have an expectation of privacy in your home, and I have a big problem that law enforcement can use the technology that advances our quality of life against us.”

What do you think?

COMMENTS
Brown Sound's picture
Submitted by Brown Sound on December 28, 2016 - 8:39pm

I saw this on the evening news tonight and was just shaking head. Between this and the FBI wanting encrypted hard drives and thumb drives to be unlockable or better yet just force you to give up the key. Another thing that I find scary is the ability to copy a mobile phone without a warrant. Our civil liberties may be in for a tough few years, especially with the Supreme Court nomination being held up and the FCC board getting shuffled. Just my opinion, please don't put me on a sedition watchlist.... Damn, did I hit the send button!?!?

hk2000's picture
Submitted by hk2000 on December 29, 2016 - 2:09pm

The only thing worse than a device that's always listening is a device that's always watching. Pretty soon you won't be able to buy a single EC device that doesn't include a camera/MIC. You wanna be safe? cover all cameras and disable or disconnect any MICs- if not possible, don't buy it! Maybe if enough people wised up this trend can be reversed, it's getting ridiculous.

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