Amazon Alexa Users - SIDWALK: You need to OPT OUT Now!
 

Note that a new feature called SIDEWALK goes live Jun 8. If you haven't OPTED OUT, Amazon will divert up to 1/40th of your internet for passerbys and neighbors.

To turn off this feature, go to the Alexa App:
Settings
Account Settings
Sidewalk -> Opt out

I am blocked from adding the article link. Just google ALEXA SIDEWALK and look for the ARS Technica article.

Here's the link
 

I don’t see Sidewalk in my account settings, but will continue to look and disable.

Found it in Ring App
 

Thanks for the head’s up. I found it in my Ring app under “Control Center”. You need to scroll down a bit to find it and need to click on it to disable it.

"You need to opt out NOW" is a bit misleading. You can opt out any time you want. There is no deadline for opting out. The only issue is you will automatically be opted in when Sidewalk goes on line if you do not turn it off before June 8th.

To clarify, Sidewalk doesn't use 1/40 of your internet. It will use a maximum of 80 kilobits per second. So, if you have an internet speed of 100 megabits per second, then it could possibly use 1/800 of your internet speed at any given time. Also, if you are paying for data, like on a cell phone, the data usage for Sidewalk is capped at 500 megabits per month. The internet usage is encrypted. Opting out may make you feel good, but I don't think it will make any difference for most users, and it does have some positive benefits by preventing your app from shutting down when you have an internet outage.

[QUOTE=Ironnan;1953430]Note that a new feature called SIDEWALK goes live Jun 8. If you haven't OPTED OUT, Amazon will divert up to 1/40th of your internet for passerbys and neighbors.

To turn off this feature, go to the Alexa App:
Settings
Account Settings
Sidewalk -> Opt out

I am blocked from adding the article link. Just google ALEXA SIDEWALK and look for the ARS Technica article.[/QUOTE

thanks for the heads up.

Could be dangerous if misused to commit a crime by a passerby. Recently lawyer Steve Lehto on his website talked about a guy who spent 14 months in jail for downloading one kiddie porn picture allegedly. Cops search his computer, phone and house and could find nothing. His bail was set too high so he stayed in jail. Finally they discovered his unprotected modem was used by someone in his apartment building. He was released and given a $4,000 bill for boarding at the jail. He lost the first appeal but the Appelate court reversed the lower court. His legal fees will top the $4,000 owed. So much for a speedy trial.

[QUOTE=John41;1953646]Apples and oranges. The Sidewalk app doesn't allow someone nearby to use your internet connection. And, no one should ever be using an unencrypted modem/router.

That issue would highly likely have nothing to do with a "Sidewalk" type of service but would have a LOT to do with his UNPROTECTED MODEM or hacked or possibly he actually downloaded it but they couldn't prove it BECAUSE his modem was unprotected. Xfinity does a similar thing (by default) by allowing YOUR MODEM to be used by any passerby as a guest hotspot. If you can see "XFINITY" listed in your WiFI available connections that is what that is. A public hotspot (which you are NOT being charged for it's use by others). That too should be disabled: How to Turn Xfinity WiFi Home Hotspot On or Off Using Xfinity xFi or My Account - Xfinity Support

Apple also does a similar thing with their "FIND MY" service by allowing bluetooth connections between abny Apple device just "passing by" your Apple device. That is mostly harmless though.


"Sidewalk" really isn't as big a deal as the press is making of it but disabling it is a good thing.

thanks

I personally like to use my internet outside my property as well as inside. I wonder if the outside capacity is annulled by disabling the "sidewalk" option.

Good idea to secure your home network
- secure your SID by requiring a login
- disable the broadcast of your SID
- if you have a guest network.... only use it when you have guest and disable it when guest leave

There are benefits
 

I believe participating in side walk also helps you if you lose the internet. Amazon says this will help you to stay connected and log back in. It is encrypted and nobody is able to see what is on your network.

Disabling Sidewalk will have no impact on your ability to access your own network as you have in the past.

A big “thank you” from me. I am far from tech savvy and appreciate the info