Amazon privacy backlash for its Sidewalk feature

[Tutman]

Content source

https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/technology/amazon-faces-a-privacy-backlash-for-its-sidewalk-feature-which-turns-alexa-devices-into-neighborhood-wifi-networks-that-owners-have-to-opt-out-of/ar-BB1boljH

• Amazon Sidewalk is launching in the US as an opt-out feature that the company says will connect Echo and Ring doorbells to any nearby Alexa device, even those owned by your neighbors.
• Amazon says Sidewalk uses WiFi from neighbors to create "a shared network that helps devices work better," but some have raised privacy concerns.
• Amazon also apologized to Alexa owners outside the US, some of whom were notified of the US-only launch.

Amazon customers are being automatically opted in to Sidewalk, a feature set to launch later this year that the company says will connect Alexa devices to nearby WiFi networks, even those owned by someone else.

Sidewalk uses Alexa devices, including Echo and Ring video doorbells, to create a "shared network" meant to help "devices work better," Amazon said in an email to device owners. It allows nearby devices to use a portion of a neighbor's WiFi bandwidth so devices can have more range.

 

[Cortex]

Beyond comprehension with bells on
Edit: Had to have an extra cup of tea !

 

[Arequire]

How to Opt-Out of Amazon Sidewalk

Worried about your Alexa device's privacy with Amazon Sidewalk? Here's how to opt out!

www.howtogeek.com

 

[vtqhtr413]

Amazon says Sidewalk reaches 90% of U.S. population, as it opens network to developers​

The milestone, less than two years after Amazon launched Sidewalk, is a testament to the effectiveness its controversial approach to building the network. Amazon Echo and Ring devices contribute to Sidewalk by default, securely sharing what’s described as a small amount of bandwidth, unless customers opt out. Amazon made the coverage announcement Tuesday as it opened Sidewalk to developers to test, create, and adapt devices for the network, taking advantage of development kits and tools from its silicon partners. Up to this point, devices on the network have been developed by Amazon and selected partners such as Tile.

Amazon says Sidewalk reaches 90% of U.S. population, as it opens network to developers

Amazon says its Sidewalk community wireless network, formed by pooling internet bandwidth from users of Amazon devices, now covers 90% of the U.S. population. The milestone, less than two years… Read More

www.geekwire.com