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The policy states that Waze collects voice files when users record their voice or use voice command features, and that if users choose to share voice recordings, other users may download and use them, after which Waze states it may have no control over those files.
This analysis describes what Waze's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes that voice and audio data is collected during voice feature use, and that shared voice recordings may be downloaded and used by third parties outside Waze's control.
Interpretive note: Whether voice recordings constitute biometric data triggering heightened legal protections depends on jurisdiction-specific definitions and how Waze processes the recordings, which is not fully specified in the document.
The updated policy now applies to users of any age by removing the prior 16+ requirement, but does not explicitly state whether parental consent is required for minors. The policy defines Personal Information more broadly to include location, route information, and data reasonably linked to you by Waze. The company removed documentation of the 'find friends' feature that previously collected phone numbers from device contacts, suggesting that feature is no longer active or has been redesigned. Privacy controls remain available through in-app settings where you can adjust which Personal Information Waze collects and how it is used.
View change record →The updated policy now explicitly discloses that Waze periodically collects all phone numbers stored on your device's contact book as part of the 'find friends' feature. According to the revised terms, these phone numbers are collected in a form that is initially anonymous to Waze and are used to help create a list of other Waze users you may know. The policy clarifies that names, addresses, and other contact information are not collected from your phone book, though such information may be saved locally on your device for local searches. Additionally, the updated terms now explicitly authorize connecting your Waze account to social network accounts and sharing profile information from those networks. You can control whether to use the 'find friends' feature and whether to connect social network accounts to your Waze account.
View change record →The updated policy removes explicit language describing how Waze collects phone numbers from device contact books and integrates social network accounts. Previously, the policy stated that Waze would 'periodically collect all of the phone numbers which are stored on your device's phone contacts book' and described how this information was used for the 'find friends' feature. The revised policy no longer includes these specific disclosures. This does not necessarily mean the practices have stopped, but it means the policy provides less transparency about what data Waze collects from your device and how it uses contact information. Users who relied on these detailed descriptions to understand Waze's data practices will find the updated policy less explicit on these points.
View change record →Under this clause, voice recordings shared by users within the Waze platform may be downloaded and used by other users, and the policy states that Waze may have no control over those files once downloaded. Voice data collected through voice command features is retained by Waze as part of activity information.
Cross-platform context
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"If you choose to either record your own voice onto the Service, or to use the voice command features, Waze will collect the voice information related to such use, including voice files. If, after recording your own voice, you chose to share your voice recordings, other Waze users and other people will be able to download and use your voice recordings. Once downloaded, Waze may not have any control over the voice files, so you should only share content that you are comfortable being made public.Excerpt from Waze's Privacy Policy
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Voice and audio data collection engages GDPR and LGPD provisions governing biometric or sensitive personal data depending on jurisdiction and how the data is processed. Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act may apply if voice recordings are processed in ways that constitute biometric identifiers. The FTC has examined audio data collection practices. The policy does not specify the legal basis for voice command data collection separately from other activity data. 2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: Medium. The disclosure that Waze may have no control over voice files once downloaded by other users creates an operational gap in data governance that is relevant to erasure and rectification rights under GDPR and LGPD, as user-initiated deletion of a Waze account may not result in deletion of downloaded voice files held by third parties. 3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: Illinois BIPA may create heightened exposure if voice recordings are processed in ways that constitute biometric identifiers. EU and UK users have rights under GDPR regarding voice data as personal data, and depending on processing, potentially as biometric data under GDPR Article 9. California users may have rights under applicable state biometric or privacy statutes. 4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: The policy's disclosure that downloaded voice files are outside Waze's control is relevant to enterprise privacy assessments, as it limits the scope of any data processing agreement to pre-download data handling only. 5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Compliance teams should evaluate whether the consent mechanism for voice data collection meets GDPR and applicable state law requirements, whether voice command data is subject to a separate retention and deletion schedule, and whether the disclosure about third-party download and use of shared voice files is sufficiently prominent to constitute informed consent under applicable frameworks.
This provision establishes that voice and audio data is collected during voice feature use, and that shared voice recordings may be downloaded and used by third parties outside Waze's control.
Under this clause, voice recordings shared by users within the Waze platform may be downloaded and used by other users, and the policy states that Waze may have no control over those files once downloaded. Voice data collected through voice command features is retained by Waze as part of activity information.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Waze.