Apple does not eavesdrop on iPhone users, the company said Tuesday in response to an inquiry by a congressional committee about the company’s privacy practices.

The company said it does not listen to iPhone users until they say, “Hey Siri.” Apple’s response came in a letter by Timothy Powderly, its director of federal government affairs, to Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, who is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Walden and the committee sent Apple CEO Tim Cook a letter July 9, asking him to answer 16 questions about how the company handles iPhone users’ privacy. Among those questions was whether Apple collects audio recordings of users without consent, to which the company said no.

“Recent reports have indicated that consumer data gathered through cell phones, including location information and recordings of users, may be used in ways that consumers do not expect,” wrote Walden and others in July.

Powderly stated the customer was not Apple’s product in a letter dated Aug. 7. The letter tried to differentiate Apple from other tech companies whose privacy practices are under scrutiny.

Apple does not allow developers to collect microphone data unless customers give them permission.

However, Apple points out iPhone users enter into agreements with developers when they use an app.

Users are protected, the company said, because apps are isolated from the information and permissions of others.

It also notes that Apple devices running iOS 10 or later offer the Limit Ad Tracking setting, which can prevent the serving of targeted ads.

The company said if the phone’s location is off, it can only be shared if the user places an emergency call. In answer to another question, Apple said it removed apps for privacy violations. It did not provide examples.

The committee sent Alphabet similar questions about Android smartphones users’ privacy.

A spokeswoman for the committee said Google and Apple have been cooperative so far.