Amazon Turned Over Echo Device Data in Arkansas Murder Case, Says Prosecutor

Amazon turned over data collected through an Echo device owned by the defendant in an Arkansas murder case, confirmed Nathan Smith, Benton County, Arkansas, prosecuting attorney, in an email Tuesday. "I am pleased that we will have access to the data from the Defendant's Echo device since the Defendant consented to its release," he said, referring to James Bates, who was charged with the 2015 murder of Victor Collins (see 1701060025). "As with any case, our obligation is to investigate all of the available evidence, whether the evidence proves useful or not. Since this case is ongoing, I cannot comment on the specifics of the recording or whether it will be used in court," said Smith. The case drew the attention of privacy advocates, who say intelligent personal digital assistants may be involved in future court cases. Amazon didn't comment. Multiple news stories said the company handed over the data Friday.