In the daily life of parents, situations where one hand holds the shopping and the other holds a child are frequent. In such moments, using a phone can be challenging. Technologies operated by voice commands come to the rescue, potentially making life much easier for parents. But are they safe, and how can they be used effectively?
Many modern devices on the market, including smartphones and smart speakers, offer voice control features that are gaining popularity with the increasing demand for convenience and hands-free technology operation. Voice commands in the MichalKids app are in preparation.
Voice commands not only allow the management of home devices but also assist with tasks such as setting navigation, reminders, and even making calls without the need for hands. In an emergency, a voice assistant can also help you call 112 without digging your phone out of a bag – it's worth testing this on your own device before you need it.
However, attention should be paid to personal data security issues in the context of using voice assistants. In its guidelines on virtual voice assistants, the European Data Protection Board points out that they can accidentally record people who did not intend to use them – including children (EDPB Guidelines 02/2021). That is why it is worth regularly reviewing device privacy settings and the assistant's activity history, and deleting unnecessary recordings.
For parents, the most important thing is the balance between convenience and safety. Regularly educating oneself on device security features and using reliable sources of information on technology can help in smoothly and safely using technological novelties.
In case of difficulties related to technology or personal data processing, in Poland you can contact the Personal Data Protection Office (UODO), and on child safety – the Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę Foundation (800 100 100). We also write about protecting your child's data in children's privacy online.
Sources
- European Data Protection Board, Guidelines 02/2021 on virtual voice assistants (2021) – accidental recording of people who did not intend to use the assistant; different user groups, including children
- Helplines – Fundacja Dajemy Dzieciom Siłę (in Polish) – 800 100 100