Smart speakers risk creating 'big-tech monopoly' in homes

BBC radio boss tells MPs regulation could allow other digital assistants to compete

Services such as Amazon's Alexa could be regulated to allow rival digital assistants to operate on smart speakers and stop the tech giants building a monopoly in people's kitchens and living rooms", the head of the BBC's radio operation has said.

James Purnell, the director of radio and education at the BBC, made the comments weeks after the BBC launched its own voice-activated digital assistant, named Beeb, which offers information such as news, weather and programmes.