FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez Dislikes Alexa
The commissioner explained that the device feels unsettling to her because of privacy implications.
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2026 – Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez expressed her disdain for Alexa because it makes her feel unsettled, she said in a WIRED interview with Katie Drummond on Tuesday.
During the interview, when asked what technology she would delete, the commissioner explained that she is not a fan of Alexa.
“I’m very concerned about the privacy implications,” she said, emphasizing that she is not an expert and does not actually know if there is something nefarious about it.
However, she thinks that the passive monitoring of the device is eerie. Gomez said, “The thought of having something that’s listening is just creeping me out.” She explained that, given the choice, she would delete the technology.
Amazon’s Alexa has had a history of holding onto voice interactions. Back in 2019, the company revealed that it retained customers' voice recordings and transcripts until customers chose to delete them. Even after the audio was deleted, the text was still stored. Amazon said it was working towards ensuring that the transcripts don’t remain in any of Alexa’s other storage systems.
When asked about her most valued technology, Gomez explained that she really likes the Waze app. The commissioner said, “I get very anxious if I get lost… it’s just a wonderful app, and I can’t believe I ever lived without it.” She noted that it eases her anxiety around travel in Washington and provides quality service.
Other interview topics included her letter to Disney in May, current challenges the FCC is facing and her experiences as the sole Democratic commissioner.
