Meet and Greet
Your New Neighborhood Watch Captain.
Posted on 06/12/2021 8:07:22 AM PDT by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at westernjournal.com ...
> 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. <
This is just nuts, and darn near theft. ‘Amazon Sidewalk’ should be an opt-in thing, not an opt-out thing.
I thought there was only a small two or three week time window to opt out and that has passed by now.
If its anything like Xfinity’s hotspots piggybacked on subscribers data, its going to result in increased electric bills too, particularly in urban areas.
What is this “Alexa app” of which you speak?
Yeah, I don’t need Amazon listening in to everything I do in the first place.
Don’t have ring or Alexa nor need either
What other devices might be vulnerable such as Apple phones? To what degree might non owner users be able to access an owner's Network or wifi?
I texted a message containing the word “urologist.” Suddenly, every fourth YouTube video contained the word “urologist.” Costco texted me that drug xyz was ready. Suddenly, there were a lot of suggested videos containing the word xyz.
My point is, there’s already too much about us online. There’s no way I would let my stove, washing machine and refrigerator go online. My HP printer was very difficult to work just using a USB. It wanted me to connect via Wi-Fi, which it told me it could see. It promised I’d never miss a message to refill my ink cartridge’s and promised me other benefits. There’s no way I would let my neighbors use my bandwidth. I don’t care how careful they think they are. I watched a former hacker, now Microsoft employee give a talk. 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?”
FWIW
We have several Echo, Echo Dots, plus apps on our phones and tablets.
Since this all started I have checked numerous times and from the very first, my Sidewalk has always been disabled and never changed
Why would Amazon do this? “Network effect.” Because it allows for more data-gathering, more group behavioral analysis and specifically, the ability, for commercial reasons, to have more people on their network.
Ditto that.
“ Don’t have ring or Alexa nor need either”
Part of the issue is that your neighbors probably do and these devices are equipped with low power radio transmitters able to network together with each other and other devices and trackers. Even if you don’t have an Alexa or Ring your coming and going may be recorded.
* Registered
* Account
* Tracked
❎
You signed the EULA if you’ve got one.
And since there is no expectation of privacy in a public space, like if you’re walking down the street near where you live, when someone’s Ring records your motions they’re probably in the clear there too.
The only opt-out now is for everyone to.
Can’t buy any new devices and it stay that way would be my bet.
I don’t have any of those intrusive devices so I’m good,right?
What if you limit your router to only certain named MAC address devices?
P.S.--I love your screen name. My own mother is a retired UMC pastor.
The free Alexa modules builder gave us, are gathering dust in my attic. I can walk to the front door to open it. I don’t need Alexa for that. Now if she could do some other favors, I could change my mind.
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