In what it claims will give its users peace of mind, Amazon is launching Amazon Sidewalk, a shared network that will effectively extend the range and increase the effectiveness of its devices. Amazon says that enabling Sidewalk will help devices to stay connected while still protecting users’ privacy. But there’s more than meets the eye with Amazon Sidewalk and cybersecurity experts say it’s best to opt-out.
Amazon boasts about the features of its shared network, claiming that Sidewalk will improve devices such as Echo and Ring due to a strengthened connection through users’ combined participation. The feature works by taking a small slice of each users’ broadband — including the connections from other households — and combining them into a communal network that covers entire neighborhoods. Amazon says users should participate in this service because it will help so-called 'Sidewalk Bridge' devices connect to the internet and make reconnection easier — and the more users that opt-in, the stronger the support for devices in the community will be. For devices like motion-sensor lights and the Ring doorbell that live outside the home, this means that they’ll maintain a stronger connection in places that Wi-Fi has trouble reaching. Amazon also encourages users to use Amazon Sidewalk as it will eventually enable new exclusive features.
However, despite Amazon’s assurances that privacy is their number one concern when it comes to Amazon Sidewalk, the idea of connecting devices to dozens of other households gives some users pause. What’s more, the new setting will be automatically enabled at launch, likely without many people even being aware of it. Cybersecurity experts find the nature of Sidewalk off-putting. The idea that devices might be connected to a number of unknown sources by default makes them feel uneasy and some are also saying it’s problematic when it comes to users’ privacy. In addition, while Amazon claims that the broadband it skims is minimal and capped at 500MB per month per account, most people aren’t too keen on sharing their Wi-Fi with a bunch of strangers.
How to Opt-Out of Amazon Sidewalk
Despite Amazon Sidewalk being enabled by default when it launches later this year, users will be able to opt-out. Prior to launch, users of Ring, Echo, or other Sidewalk Bridge devices will receive an email from Amazon alerting them of the service and providing information about it, including how to opt-out. After launch, any consumers who buy a Sidewalk Bridge-enabled device will be given the choice to opt-out when setting up their devices.
When Amazon Sidewalk is launched, Echo users will be able to opt-out by going into the Amazon Alexa app and accessing Amazon Sidewalk through More > Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk. From there, they'll be able to turn Sidewalk off. Ring users will need to change their preferences through the Ring app or website. If users have both the Echo and Ring, opting out of Amazon Sidewalk in one device will apply those settings to all their devices.
Equipped with three levels of encryption as it is, Amazon claims that Sidewalk is completely secure. However, despite the promise that users’ commands and messages through Bridge devices will not be shared with third parties, Amazon’s smart devices have had trouble in the past with privacy protection, such as concerns with its Halo health band. Given the sensitive data that these devices collect, users would be better off opting out of Amazon Sidewalk.
Source: Amazon