Yahoo Finance Google failed to tell users about hidden microphone in its Nest security system
Google has been criticisedfor failing to tell users about a hidden microphone in ones of its home security systems.
The technology giant said an "error" meant the microphone was not included in the online specifications for the Nest Guard, which have been available since 2017.
The hardware feature came to light after Google announced a software update would enable the device to use its voice-activated helper, Google Assistant, which is powered by artificial intelligence to answer queries. The issue was first spotted by Business Insider.
A Google spokesman said: "The on-device microphone was never intended to be a secret and should have been listed in the tech specs. That was an error on our part.
“The microphone has never been on and is only activated when users specifically enable the option.
"Security systems often use microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing. We included the mic on the device so that we can potentially offer additional features to our users in the future, such as the ability to detect broken glass."
The Nest Guard designed to act as an alarm, keypad, and motion sensor. It is part of the $399 Nest Secure range which went on sale in the US last year. It is expected to go on sale in Europe, but a date has yet to be confirmed.
Other Nest security products are known to have microphones such as the Nest Cam outdoor security camera and the Nest Protect smoke detector.
Silkie Carlo, director of UK-based privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch, said the incident would do little to help public trust around smart home devices.
"It is hard to believe Google cares about people's privacy after selling a security product with a secret microphone in it," she said.
"This appears to be deceptive rather than a 'mistake', which is incredibly damaging for public trust in Google. Many of our worries about smart home devices appear to be proving true.
"This market is normalising the disturbing notion of tech giants constant listening within the privacy of our homes. Google should be held to account for wrongly advertising this product."
Nest was acquired by Google in February 2014 for a $3.2bn (£2.5bn).
