Apple Watch Series 12 sparks privacy backlash with real-time conversation tracking

tsn.ua (Ukrainian)

Apple presented the new Apple Watch Series 12 with an "Audio Intelligence" feature that records and transcribes conversations in real time, sparking widespread user backlash over privacy concerns. The feature was announced on Wednesday, September 9, alongside new iPhones and AirPods. The "Live Rewind" function lets users double-click the Digital Crown to see a text transcript of the last 15 seconds of a conversation, while "Siri Recap" generates summaries of discussions. Apple says the S11 chip processes audio in an isolated "Secure Exclave" module, deletes files immediately, and emits audible signals during recording. Despite Apple's assurances that no audio files are stored and sensitive data is filtered out, many users compared the technology to the TV series "Black Mirror." The watches go on sale September 18, with the UN High Commissioner separately warning about AI's existential threats to humanity.


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