Experts Alarmed at What New Amazon Device Does for Users' Neighbors

westernjournal.com ^ | June 9, 2021 | Cameron Arcand

[UMCRevMom@aol.com]

Amazon Sidewalk launched Tuesday, and those who have privacy concerns about their internet connection should opt out immediately.

Sidewalk uses Ring security cameras, along with Amazon Echo devices, to create a shared wireless network, The Washington Post reported.

Devices that qualify automatically connect to the system, which would essentially create low bandwidth communal access to the internet, as it would use a part of any available bandwidth on neighbors’ WiFi.

But there are obviously serious security concerns, even though Amazon says it will be using “three layers of encryption to ensure data is visible only to the intended party.”

However, experts warn that no level of encryption is completely foolproof.

“It is slowly eliminating the notion of ‘off-the-grid,’” said Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “As long as Amazon is storing all that data … all of that can be accessible to police. It’s impossible to think of things as just private or public surveillance anymore.”

There is also the possibility of the consumer being charged for more data than they actually use under this program, as Amazon would be sharing a small part of it with the user’s community.

For those looking to opt out, users should go to the control center or account settings on their Ring or Echo app and select Amazon Sidewalk.

Once they are on Amazon Sidewalk, they can use the slider to disable the use of their WiFi network for the program.

Here is how to opt out of Amazon Sidewalk: Start by opening the Alexa app or Ring app and clicking more on the bottoms right.

Watch the video below for the rest! @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/d0gIcep640 — Ana Espinosa (@WPBF_Ana) June 8, 2021

Amazon Sidewalk has now launched, meaning everyone with an #Amazon device will automatically be opted in.

[Scrambler Bob]

There’s no way I would let my stove, washing machine and refrigerator go online.
= = =

Mine would contact the ACLU, demanding reparations for slavery.

[SaveFerris]

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[Pollard]

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[SaveFerris]

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[thecodont]

He said, the problem with mew products is the engineers make them to do X. A hacker takes it and says, “Gosh, what else can I make it do?”

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[SaveFerris]

He’s just wanting a picture of John Connor...

[left that other site]

Indeed. Nothing to see here, folks, Now Move Along...