How to Opt Out of Amazon Sidewalk
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Amazon’s latest venture, known as “Amazon Sidewalk.” But what, exactly is Amazon Sidewalk?
How Amazon Sidewalk Works: The Basics
Amazon’s goal with Sidewalk is to create a “mesh network” of connected devices. Here is a very rudimentary rundown of how it works:
Beginning June 8th, 2021, all Amazon devices (including Alexa, Ring, and most Echo devices) are automatically opted-in to Sidewalk
Sidewalk devices connect to other internet-enabled Sidewalk devices via Bluetooth that are within range
This means that even if you are disconnected from your home WiFi, your Amazon device will work if it’s opted in to Sidewalk and is within connection range of another Sidewalk-enabled device. Amazon Sidewalk essentially connects opted-in devices and shares their bandwidth, creating an interwoven network of smart devices.
Amazon Sidewalk Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons to Sidewalk. If your home WiFi goes down, your Ring doorbell will stop working. But if you’re opted in to Sidewalk — and so are your neighbors — your Ring will “borrow” some of their bandwidth even if your connection falters, and your camera will continue to operate and send you alerts. (It won’t send video, though; video files are too large.) There are obvious benefits to having a functional Ring security system active at all times.
Activating Sidewalk means that you’re sharing bandwidth with your neighbors — and that means your data passes through your neighbor’s device and vice versa. This has many people wondering just how secure Sidewalk is. According to an article in Forbes, “Amazon Sidewalk uses three layers of encryption to keep devices secure. The three layers include an application layer, network layer, and a flex message layer.”
How to Opt Out of Amazon Sidewalk
If the thought of sharing bandwidth with your neighbors isn’t your cup of tea, here is how to opt out of Amazon Sidewalk.
1: Open your Alexa app.
2: In the lower right corner, click the three lines that say “More.”
3: Click “Settings.”
4: Click “Account Settings.”
5: Click “Amazon Sidewalk.”
6: Toggle the “Disabled” button. (It will automatically be toggled to “Enabled.”)
That’s it — you’re done. All Amazon devices connected to your Alexa app should now be opted-out of Sidewalk.
I’m not here to comment on the security of Amazon Sidewalk — what I have a problem with is that all Amazon devices are automatically opted-in. Beginning today, June 8th, 2021, your Amazon device is Sidewalk-enabled unless you explicitly opt out. I’m a strong believer in permission marketing and to me, this falls under the category of permission marketing. Even if Amazon Sidewalk is not sending marketing messages or actively trying to sell me something, I have a problem with presumed consent. I prefer to opt IN, not opt OUT.
What do you think? Will you opt-in to Amazon Sidewalk, or will you opt out?
