Apple's new watches are listening to our conversations! New features raise privacy concerns..
Watches from the renowned US tech company Apple are considered highly useful for fitness, health tracking, and connectivity; however, new models now include features that are facing accusations of infringing on privacy. Luke Heemsbergen, a Senior Lecturer in Communication at Deakin University in Australia, has raised serious questions in an article published in *The Conversation*.
According to Heemsbergen, Apple watches can listen to sounds in the user's vicinity. When necessary, new features can convert parts of conversations into text. These features have sparked a fresh debate regarding privacy. Apple, however, maintains that audio is neither recorded nor stored. No sound is linked to a specific individual, and all data remains encrypted. Apple also states that the company itself cannot access or read this data. The question arises: why, then, are these watch features being questioned? Heemsbergen writes that the issue is not merely data security, but rather the question of who should actually have the permission to listen to a conversation.
**Conversations Should Stay Within the Room**
When we converse with someone in a café, at home, in an office, during a meeting, or at dinner, we expect the conversation to remain limited to those present. Information scientist Helen Nissenbaum calls this "contextual integrity." Simply put, this means that a person's information should be used in accordance with the same context and rules under which it was shared. The problem is that a conversation can no longer remain confined to the people in the room; through devices like smartwatches, it can become part of a text, a summary, or a digital record. Apple may encrypt and secure the data, but Heemsbergen argues that the issue extends beyond data security. The question is: who granted the social permission to transmit conversations out of the room to a device?
Who gets to decide on 'opting in'?
Apple describes these features as 'opt-in'—meaning they are used only with the user's consent—but there is a problem here. The decision to enable or disable the feature rests solely with the person wearing the Apple Watch; others present in the room have no choice in the matter. The 'Live Rewind' feature can transcribe the previous 15 seconds of conversation when needed; its activation is accompanied by a beep, an animation, and a microphone indicator. However, 'Siri Recap' can operate in the background throughout the day and generate a summary of conversations later. Luke notes that this process lacks a similarly clear indicator. While constant beeps or flashing lights every few seconds would make the feature difficult to use, operating without any signal means those nearby remain unaware of whether the device is processing their conversation.
Potential issues in privacy-sensitive settings
Questions regarding such devices are likely to intensify in environments where conversational privacy is paramount—situations that could encompass not only personal discussions but also business and legal conversations. Luke cites the example of Meta’s camera-equipped smart glasses; such devices have already been banned in certain workplaces and at specific events. He suggests that a similar scenario could arise in the future regarding devices capable of continuous listening.
Trust in tech companies remains a major concern
Luke’s article also highlights the existing mistrust surrounding how tech companies handle data. One study examined 14,000 apps and found that nearly half failed to adhere to their own privacy policies. Another study analyzed approximately 6,000 apps designed for children. Concerns also emerged regarding a large number of apps failing to comply with privacy laws. Apple also had to reach a $95 million settlement in 2025 in a case involving Siri. The case alleged that Siri would accidentally activate and transmit audio to private contractors. Apple did not admit to any wrongdoing and emphasized its privacy policy.
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