Ring users looking to disable the feature must go into the security camera’s app, go into the “Control Center” and click “Sidewalk” in order to opt out.
For more reporting from the Associated Press, see below.
How does it work?
Among other things, devices connected to the shared network can supposedly search for the best signal in a way that can preserve their battery life.
What are the risks?
Hackers could potentially infiltrate home networks via Sidewalk, said Eric Null, a policy manager at digital rights group Access Now. If that happens, Null said hackers could observe everything you do, take over your devices or access your files to steal information.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone’s network gets hacked and data gets breached,” said Null.
William Tong, Connecticut’s attorney general, warned consumers this week that the program was “uncharted territory” and that people should opt-out of Sidewalk unless they are sure their privacy and security will be protected.
“Wireless networks are already notoriously vulnerable to hacks and breaches,” Tong wrote in a statement. “Families need better information and more time before giving away a portion of their bandwidth to this new system.”
Which devices want to share my internet?
Echo devices that share network bandwidth via Sidewalk include the third generation and newer versions of the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot for Kids and the Echo Dot with Clock. The Echo Show 5, 8, 10; the second generation of the Echo Show; Echo Spot; Echo Plus; Echo Studio; Echo Input; Echo Flex.
Sidewalk-enabled Ring devices include the Ring Floodlight Cam; Ring Spotlight Cam Wired; and Ring Spotlight Cam Mount.
For example, the company could embed tiny internet-connected devices into cardboard packages to help track them, said Clausen of École Polytechnique.
