Submitted by Brewer55
Want to share your Wi-Fi with your neighbors, without your consent? To learn how to ‘opt-out’ of this plan by Amazon, read on…
If you use Alexa, Echo, or any other Amazon device, you have only 10 days to opt out of an experiment that leaves your personal privacy and security hanging in the balance.
On June 8, the merchant, Web host, and entertainment behemoth will automatically enroll the devices in Amazon Sidewalk. The new wireless mesh service will share a small slice of your Internet bandwidth with nearby neighbors who don’t have connectivity and help you to their bandwidth when you don’t have a connection.
By default, Amazon devices including Alexa, Echo, Ring, security cams, outdoor lights, motion sensors, and Tile trackers will enroll in the system. And since only a tiny fraction of people take the time to change default settings, that means millions of people will be co-opted into the program whether they know anything about it or not. The Amazon webpage linked above says Sidewalk “is currently only available in the US.”
Read the rest of the article here: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/amazon-devices-will-soon-automatically-share-your-internet-with-neighbors/
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It’s a good thing I never use any of that crap, ever. And my nearest neighbor is my folks and I pay for their internet already. The next two neighbors are too far away to share wi-fi, and one doesn’t even have internet.
This ‘sticks’ lifestyle is looking better all the time.
Doubt many here would have those god forsaken things in their homes
You’d be surprised. “Well, just the Ring.” “Well, just our security cams.” Well, just our wifi alarm system.” False security for minor convenience.
just the tip.
If one has so little regard for their and their family’s personal privacy that they already have one of these devices in their home, they won’t care if they have to give up just a little more for the common good.
first off, right off the top, why the fuck would anyone use those horrific ‘offerings’? cut it off at the root right there.
Amazon Kindle and Amazon Prime videos too?? No wonder I was buying paperbacks and dvd’s like mad.
It is my regret to inform you that your ISP’s wifi router already does this and there is no opt out.
Which is why you always buy an aftermarket router/ modem. Make your money back in the first year versus the rental unit from the provider and you tweak the shit out of your security too.
Kudos to anyone that can actually crack my passwords.