Why I Will Switching Off Amazon Sidewalk
Amazon Sidewalk is a 'community network' built in the form of a mesh by using Amazon devices and people's Internet connections, to form a mixed technology network for connecting IoT and smart home devices.
Make no mistake, this technology is not being rolled out purely for the benefit of users. Amazon is aiming to increase its market share and gain a competitive advantage with its products that support Sidewalk. Only devices authorised by Amazon to use Sidewalk's low-bandwidth connections are allowed to connect to Amazon Sidewalk and it uses a proprietary technology and protocols. It is not an open standard.
There are comparable 'community network' services that have been around for a while. In particular Wi-Fi roaming services like FON, BT Wi-Fi (here in the UK) and equivalents exist in other countries too (Xfinity in the USA). The difference between these services though is that you gain something by opting in. For example, if you enable the BT Wi-Fi hotspot at home, you can also use them whilst out and about. If you don't enable the service at home, you lose this roaming ability. So there is an incentive to take part in this 'community network'.
Apple iTags are another example where you have no control and are forced to participate. The tracking features are built into iOS and cannot be switched off. If you own an iPhone, you are part of this community network whether you use it or not.
Opt In
The service should really be an opt-in service but, that would result in much lower participation rates and a Sidewalk network that has much less coverage. At least Amazon give you the controls to opt out though.
Why Opt Out?
My primary reason for opting out (despite owning 5 Amazon Echo devices) is that it does nothing for me, yet it uses my devices and Internet connection, without me giving explicit permission for Amazon to do so. This is wrong in my opinion. Amazon should incentivise users and owners of Amazon devices, to encourage them to opt in. I have no sensors or devices that can use Sidewalk or need to use it.
To turn Sidewalk off:
- Open the Alexa app
- Open 'More' and selecting 'Settings'
- Select 'Account Settings'
- Select 'Amazon Sidewalk'
- Turn Amazon Sidewalk to 'Off'
What Will Change My Mind?
As the deployment of Sidewalk progresses and further companies partner to use it, it might be become useful to me:
- One such tie-up is the link with Tile Trackers, which I do use.
