How An Amazon Echo Could Testify In An Arkansas Murder Trial (HBO)

A trial is about to begin over the mysterious death of a former police officer whose body was found in a hot tub at a home in Bentonville, Arkansas, best known as the hometown of Walmart. It may help decide an issue emerging in a connected world: whether prosecutors should be able to subpoena a virtual assistant.
The case began in November of 2015, according to a prosecution affidavit, when James Bates, a former Walmart employee, invited a few friends over to watch an Arkansas Razorbacks game. The next morning, Bates called 911 to report that one of his visitors, Victor Collins, was dead in his hot tub.
Police subsequently arrested Bates, and accused him of Collins’ murder. He has pled not guilty. But Bates’ house was absolutely filled with gadgets. And investigators focused in on one - an Amazon Echo. In December the prosecutor in the case, Nathan Smith, filed a search warrant demanding any data that the Echo might have picked up that night - whether that was inadvertent recordings, or just clues to Bates’ activity during the night.
Amazon has not yet complied with the warrant. Bates’ lawyers think that he has a right to privacy in his own home. But Smith disagrees in this case. “If we say in the United States that there is no basis ever for law enforcement to obtain a search warrant to search a technological device,” he said, “then we’re essentially creating a police free zone. We’re creating a zone to tell criminals ‘this is where you go if you never want to be found out”.
Read: "Cops want Amazon Echo data to help solve a murder case, but it probably won't help" - bit.ly/2krbJe6
Read: "Tech companies race to defend H-1B visas as Republicans and Democrats threaten them" - bit.ly/2kzamVS
Read: "Here's why Apple stock is setting records even as the iPhone slows down" - bit.ly/2lRThHX
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[@VICENews]

“If we say in the United States that there is no basis ever for law enforcement to obtain a search warrant to search a technological device,” he said, “then we’re essentially creating a police free zone." WATCH NEXT: We Tested Method 2 - The Hulking Robot Straight Out Of Sci Fi - bit.ly/2yVIw1P

[@dot680]

so who wants a 24 7 365 microphone in their house? not me.

[@DaveSlaz]

Do you have a smart phone ?

[@DannyCastanzenberry]

Ahhh714 when an app asks for access to your microphone and you grant it ....... that app now has access to your microphone

[@ivanstroganov5458]

diviz0r its pretty awsome.. Its not for chatting with, since its not very good at conversations. I use it as a voice controlled spotify music player. for timers, alarms, weather infos, news, wikipedia trivia, etc. And as they said... No data is transmitted until you say the activation word and the blue listening light is on.

[@mothereric8774]

You can unplug it too.

[@copalpagan2407]

loads of tech does this... Samsung TVs for example, PlayStation's, smartphones etc etc.. its mainly used for marketing allegedly, but yeah, big brother is already watching you too

[@kobaltkode]

1:13 Anyone else think her pupils are super dilated?

[@drakoclash5715]

kobaltkode I subconsciously noticed that while watching but never thought about it until I saw your comment.. Lol

[@arconte2100]

Feels pretty straight forward. There is probably cause for the warrant and if amazon has the data they should hand it over. The controversy may be whether amazon stores it to begin with but that's a separate issue.

[@megamiazga]

1984 is happenning right now.

[@megamiazga]

Yes and it's still going on, getting more like the book every day.

[@CrishieX]

lol i mean my echo was listening to all this

[@rhettlloyd]

This prosecutor is likely up for an award for this level of statism.

[@ShidaiTaino]

rhett lloyd statism? Like loving and supporting the state?

[@tjwoosta]

I mean its clearly stated that these devices can and will record data and send it back to a third party. If you're daft enough to accept that and bring one into you're private space regardless then you're supporting the problem and I have no sympathy for you.

[@Vostro-]

Does anyone else hate that this guy just keeps nodding his head the whole time his interviewee is talking?

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

Never getting this device I told my family we are NOT getting this into the house!

[@arjayla]

Alexa, by Defacto can generally considered as a family member and as such cannot be compelled a court of law to testify.

[@kingturner19mt]

why would anyone ever want one of those in their house lol... it's just bugging yourself.

[@globe1987]

Not even any real circumstantial evidence and it's still allowed to go to trial..... Wow.

[@waynetank3524]

How did the police solve crimes before the INTERNET????????

[@TheModernHermeticist]

...the future is now

[@rayfordcarpathia4015]

So, a police-free zone is not being able to retrieve a personal assistant's data recordings? Makes no sense but okay.

[@nviah]

does anyone know where i can find a full video on this?

[@IcarusErm]

what is that D.A. smoking? the echo screams that all criminals should go buy one because it aids in their criminal activity? he needs to be drug tested and I'll have whatever he's having.

[@TBONESIDEOFLIFE]

pc,laptop,phone, and most wireless. are in or around your home. hot mic anyone?

[@TBONESIDEOFLIFE]

but not impossible.

[@FreshtexBlackman]

Alexa said he killed the guy!

[@dusteedawg2915]

uh pretty obvious, its always listening...... get those fuckin things outta the house

[@GiantGenesse]

I robot?

[@orlandotrejo1714]

I ain't buying that shit no more

[@thebeast9869]

Amazon Alexa Leaked Recording "Alexa" (Listening...) "Blow Me" (Shut Up James) "Stab Stab"

[@heafy]

woo pig

[@heafy]

Hillary's Emails wooooooo pig sooie!

[@heafy]

Hillary's Emails Arkansas Razorbacks call

[@jangamaster8677]

Glad to see you haven't put out some stupid SJW visor in the last day or two.

[@nikadavise-br9lx]

sodomy party gone wrong????? hell its just inbred hillbillies killing other inbred hillbillies

[@lilyflower5576]

People get ready. The mark of the beast is coming, the technology is here. Jesus is coming back soon. Male sure you make the right choice. The comfort the mark of the beast provides will only last so long. But Jesus is forever

[@Dehibernation]

"Alexa, order another pack of heavy duty bags."

[@Calyx]

"Alexa, order a shovel and duct tape aswell, please."

[@jvalenzuela199]

Alexa, where is the nearest landfill?

[@thuggajackson1512]

Omg i feel so bad for laughing.

[@SaltVinegar2010]

Dehibernation Alexa, How do you clean up a crime scene?

[@martinmendiolamm]

"Alexa, how do I evade the cops?"

[@indegruv]

4th amendment says the "police free zone" should be my fucking home.

[@neoskribe8986]

So the echo is going to take the stand?

[@Adam-eb3rs]

"It was awful, they.. did things to me." OBJECTION!

[@getbaitedmatey9208]

Welcome to the 21st century kids

[@getbaitedmatey9208]

Drako Clash you're......you're.......a fucking idiot.........

[@robe5000]

This just in, Echo sales drop by 99% Also, there is great deals on Echo's on craigslist

[@FrancoTwoTwoFour]

Alexa, what's the best way to dispose of a body?

[@gervoutlaw1]

Anthony Franco how do u do that??

[@jmart01]

For those who don't know, when the Amazon Echo hears its "wake word" to activate, it records what you say and saves it. You can access the recording on your smartphone if you like to hear what was said later on.

[@mermintube]

FYI Same with google. There's a website you can visit to hear everything you've asked google on your phone

[@gervoutlaw1]

M. J. how??

[@gervoutlaw1]

M. J. thankx sis

[@Adam-eb3rs]

You know what they say "cheaper to keep things than delete them."

[@stranahan07]

In other words... We live in a police state with new technological advancement in our gadgets that can pick up and record audio in the privacy of our homes and law enforcement has the right to invade our privacy in all aspects as long as it's included in their "investigation".

[@DonYelleandDiana]

Oh hell nah

[@notaidiot8701]

What lol

[@redrobin4406]

I hope Amazon do the same thing, Apple did with the terrorist and don't give up the info

[@Calyx]

ehhhhh apple didn't give up the info on the device, the FBI went to an Israeli company to hack it.

[@redrobin4406]

Calyx​ I forgot to put "don't", thanks for the heads up.

[@themiddleman5886]

I ❤ YOU BIG BROTHER 😍

[@iv5949]

😭 bruh I live like 5 minutes from there

[@scientistsbaffled5730]

James Thomas oh s*** the world exist outside of your house

[@hiphopharry6236]

James Thomas nigga I live in rogers ! Lmao

[@samjones5596]

fayettechill fam

[@Generik97]

I am absolutely OK with police using home assistance like Amazon Echo for the purpose of evidence... If you don't like it don't own an Amazon Echo or any other home assistant... I see absolutely no reason why this can't be used as evidence if it has recorded something, just like how cell phones and computers can be used as evidence I see no reason why this can't be

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

Her eyes got HUGE at 3:18, lol!! 😂😂😂

[@Xn3v3rX]

good luck getting the info youre requesting last time i checked this isnt the first time alexa has come up in a case and amazon never released any of the data.

[@ryanwilhite]

I think this will end up failing on multiple fronts: The ruling will limit our freedoms and the search of the audio files in the echo will yield nothing substantial for the case.

[@holyravioli5795]

The difference between a person testifying and an amazon echo is that you can throw an amazon echo into a bin without anyone noticing.

[@tech1238]

how do you make a tin foil hat guys? 😂

[@scientistsbaffled5730]

Techmical you use aluminum.

[@parthjoshi06]

What alchemy is this?!?!

[@catharsismemory]

So in other words, they just mistakenly told us that they are listening to us! lol

[@donnabell954]

EXACTLY AND THEY DON'T NEED OUR CONSTITUTIONAL PERMISSION TO SURVEIL US, WE GAVE PERMISSION WHEN WE PUT THEM IN OUR HOMES. BYPASSED THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS VIOLATION ALL TOGETHER PEOPLE PLEASE 🙏 😁 WAKE UP

[@osiriss]

is the lawyer on drugs? Her pupils are dilated like crazy even with the light in her face lol

[@CIARUNSITE]

Police free zone sounds good to me.

[@KevinAmbrocio-v2q]

This case has Arkansas written all over it, Razorbacks, Alexa(Walmart rival), trial case Walmart’s hometown Bentonville lol irony

[@thomasgrey6309]

I'm so screwed. I talk about all kinds of un-wholesome shyt when I'm at home, and I own 3 echo's. Audible addiction. Either way, this dude is toast! If he's innocent, he's gonna be bankrupted and homeless. If he's guilty, it sounds like the current evidence is so flimsy that the prosecution is hoping to make their case on the thinnest of margins, and getting to the actual "truth" might not really play a part when compared to "solving" and "closing" a case. Yet, if he did do it. . fukkim! All's I know is, if someone dies on my property, Imma drag 'em off to the woods, even if I didnt do it. The likelihood of states accusations and charges against you is too great, and the moment you are faced with hiring a lawyer for defense against something like this. . .either way, you are gonna loose it all (either your freedom or/and your property), and prolly get a stroke from all the stress. Mom's in law is already dead in the basement, you know they are gonna look at you even if you know you didnt do it. . .dump her ass in the woods anyhow. lol. (I kid, I kid) "A police-free zone" sounds great to me. I thought that's what our private homes, papers, and affects were? This prosecutor apparently believes that America is a police state first. . .honestly, he might be right. Plan accordingly. . .

[@Vostro-]

Hey Vice, how does this equate to Alexa "testifying" at the trial? Do we say that someone's cell phone is going to testify when police obtain phone records? Talk about a clickbait title. They should have just added "What happens next will shock you!"

[@Spiderbro8]

Are they implying the perpetrator yelled the 'wake word' across the house as he murdered his victim...? I guess sometimes you need queue up that perfect playlist before you strangulate somone. Im thinking hmm The Corrs, Breathless maybe.. Oh god its too hard, i cant decide

[@Salty_Potato]

Sadly that very game is the First football game I ever went to above little league. November 21, 2015

[@redrobin4406]

This sounds like, it could be a side mission on Watch Dogs 2

[@kimfyfe8944]

Alexa needs to be with everyone strugglng in life. She saved me more then once.

[@lokalkakan]

Let's find out what the AI say, people ask searches after crimes that reveals them.

[@stranahan07]

I hope Alexa honors the G code and don't snitch. Or else..

[@vaporwavevocap]

Snitches. Get. Stitches. Snitchbots. Get. Ditchedbot'd.

[@ericcuellar404]

I dont want alexa to hear ima be eating some girl out tonigth

[@sea9994]

So Snowden presentation is correct..interesting

[@blacksncommercials]

Damn, now they're spying on us through our electronics, UGH & GRRRRrrr!

[@donnabell954]

THEY BEEN SPYING WE(CONSUMERS) BUY THESE surveillance gadgets of our OWN FREE WILL hence no need for the"POWERS THAT BE" to need OUR CONSTITUTIONAL permission to record it kills 2 BIRDS W/1 STONE.

[@chocolatetampon4492]

welp never buying an echo or the Google variant... everything you use spies on you and you don't know how they can use this information

[@chocolatetampon4492]

Monster Fueled I use headphones for a mic and put tape over my cameras... thanks though

[@videodude2010]

Where my Bentonville people at!?

[@RussMichaels]

I would never have one of these, but I do believe that the police should be allowed to use them for evidence if one exists where a crime occured if it could help catch the perpetrator. The people who are against things like this are complete hypocrites, as they quickly change their tunes when something affects them. If they find themselves the victim of a crime, them suddenly they do a 360, and they are screaming at the police because there was no CCTV, even though previously they were against CCTV, claiming it is an invasion of privacy. Or they are demanding the police use alexa recordings, even though they were previously against it.

[@parthjoshi06]

Her pupils are insanely dilated.

[@philiptucker7590]

This is a weird Amazon Ad 😯

[@kevinotube]

Im interested to know what the prosecutor thinks would be recorded on the device if he understands and believes the functions of the Amazon echo. Perhaps he just wants to try to force the creators at Amazon to reveal if they are secretly recording people at all times?

[@Drsivric]

"LIKE A GUN FREE ZONE"?

[@nicknackpattywackshow5011]

Don't buy Alexa

[@UltraZakii]

Brought to you by Amazon Echo, IN STORES NOW!!

[@Dancingontgesun1942]

If you're doing anything illegal and have one of those things in your house, you deserve to get caught.

[@grantgordon4384]

PSA DONT BUY ONE

[@hamndv]

I don't know if this is good or scary

[@scientistsbaffled5730]

hamndv I don't know if I'm horny or just a rapist

[@elporteroful]

I live really close by. How haven't I heard of this?

[@RaghunandanReddyC]

bs

[@greytoeimp]

that woman lawyer strikes me as bad, for some reason

[@Beepbooops78]

I know… the eyes chico… they never lie

[@joshspawn161]

Alexa, search secluded places nearby with low visibility