Amazon Sidewalk is a “shared network” being implemented by Amazon (unless you opt out). The rollout of Amazon Sidewalk will begin on June 8, 2021 and will automatically enable features on its family of hardware devices, including Echo Speakers, Ring Video Doorbells, Ring Floodlight Cams, and Ring Spotlight Cams that will share a small part of your Internet bandwidth with your neighbors, unless you opt out. According to Amazon, the purpose of Amazon Sidewalk is to make devices work better by extending their working range, keeping devices running even if outside of the range of your home wireless network. Amazon Sidewalk uses Bluetooth, the 900MHz spectrum and other frequencies to extend coverage and provide these benefits. Amazon also says that total monthly bandwidth is capped to 500 Megabytes for an account.
While Amazon touts the benefits of using Amazon Sidewalk, if you do not opt out, Amazon Sidewalk opens up your wireless network to additional traffic you may not necessarily want or authorize. Amazon Sidewalk may also subject you (and your neighbors who do not opt out) to data mining, including things like who’s walking by your house, knocking on the door or even unlocking the door. So, many consumers have privacy and security concerns that they say outweigh any benefits that Amazon Sidewalk may provide. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE PART OF AMAZON SIDEWALK, YOU MUST OPT OUT. Here is how to opt out of Amazon Sidewalk on the Alexa app and the Ring app:
How to Disable Amazon Sidewalk on the Alexa App
1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Open the three-lined “More” and select “Settings.”
3. Select “Account Settings.”
4. Select “Amazon Sidewalk.”
5. Turn Amazon Sidewalk “Off” for your account.
How to Disable Amazon Sidewalk on the Ring App
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Open the three-lined “Menu” and select “Control Center.”
3. Select “Sidewalk”
4. Tap the slider button to turn off Amazon Sidewalk for your account.
Some customers have reported that even after turning Amazon Sidewalk “Off” their device somehow resets such that it is still turned “On.” For that reason, you should double check that Amazon Sidewalk is “Off” 24 -48 hours after you opt out.
GFM is a nationwide consumer and securities fraud class action firm that prosecutes cases throughout the United States. GFM represents victims of data breaches and is dedicated to protecting its clients privacy rights. If you have been the victim of a data breach or other violation of your privacy rights, GFM is here to help. www.4-Justice.com
