Amazon Smart Device users may want to turn off a feature before Tuesday, if they don’t want them to essentially become Public Wi-Fi hotspots. State Attorney Generals are warning consumers that Amazon will automatically connect their Smart Home Devices and products to a new Shared Network called “Amazon Sidewalk” today.
The automatic enrollment has raised concerns about consumer privacy and protections. Amazon Sidewalk will link smart home devices, such as Alexa, Echo and Ring to a shared networking system that will enable them to connect beyond the range of a standard home wi-fi network. Beginning today, these devices will be automatically opted-in to contribute a portion of their internet bandwidth to create a shared network with neighboring smart devices. This means that you will be sharing your network connection with your neighbors. Some are concerned that it will allow hackers to access personal information more easily.
You can opt out and disable Amazon Sidewalk, just go to the Amazon site and search “Enable or Disable Amazon Sidewalk”. If you want out, it needs to be done today.
