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Amazon Sidewalk

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Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#151

Post by polskibus »

austincheney wrote: post #110
squarefoot wrote: post #50

So, if I buy a so called Smart-TV (not because I like it but because traditional ones are getting harder to find) but don't set up it on my home network so it can't phone home, it could scan around anyway and find other open devices more than willing to participate in my personal data exfiltration? If the Amazon project succeeds, I would expect in a few months most home devices manufacturers, to partner to implement…

My answer is a home projector. It’s not 4K but it’s cheap and puts out a great display. It’s also just a projector without any applications or network access.

4K projectors are getting cheaper, although some reviews doubt the quality improvement.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#152

Post by quickthrower2 »

yunohn wrote: post #39
prox wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Convenience is way too alluring for the general public I am afraid. But I completely agree.

> Convenience is way too alluring for the general public Despite being technically-savvy, and ready to hack away at systems for max configuration; I too prefer convenience for a lot of things. That’s the magic of modern life, you can save time on so many “complicated” things. Disclaimer: I don’t use Amazon Echo specifically.

That why I use an iPhone and windows 10 over androids and Linux. I’ve gone more this way as I have gotten older! Don’t want to mess about.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#153

Post by throwamon »

mgr86 wrote: post #140
squarefoot wrote: post #50

So, if I buy a so called Smart-TV (not because I like it but because traditional ones are getting harder to find) but don't set up it on my home network so it can't phone home, it could scan around anyway and find other open devices more than willing to participate in my personal data exfiltration? If the Amazon project succeeds, I would expect in a few months most home devices manufacturers, to partner to implement…

Edit: I was wrong. Please disregard this comment. Someone links the comment below. And the sub thread that I remember being removed appears to still be present. —— I commented the other week about enjoying my LG oled smart tv. Someone mentioned what about the evesdropping. (Which I’m aware of) and it started a small thread of people discussing that. These replies were removed about 24-48 hours later. I found it odd t…

It's much more likely it was removed for some unrelated reason (flamewar, spam, or just a mistake - btw you can email the mods if you think it was a mistake, it seems they're very responsive)

HN is full of discussions on these matters and I've never seen them get removed.

And you can always use Archive.org's Wayback Machine to periodically save the page.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#154

Post by choeger »

Clewza313 wrote: post #104
choeger wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This. That move is just one step further in removing control. They now have sealed devices that can have who knows what functions but are confined to the network. Next step is to have a concealed upstream. After that they will somehow get a legal mandate to force such devices on you (like the EU did with cars). Maybe they will use smoke detectors or "emergency" services. In the end, this is exactly like in 1984.

So armed Amazon goons kicking down your door and bringing you to the dungeons of the Ministry of Customer Obsession to be tortured with fake cattle prod knockoffs?

Nope. Much more like this:

You are legally obliged to install a smart meter, smart smoke detector and smart heating control in your home. If you rent, your landlord will install these things. If you own the authorities will inspect the presence and operation of these devices and fine you if you don't comply.

All these devices will be offered by companies like amazon. Coincidentally, amazon lobbyists shape the laws that make these things mandatory.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#155

Post by bluesquared »

walrus01 wrote: post #85
squarefoot wrote: post #50

So, if I buy a so called Smart-TV (not because I like it but because traditional ones are getting harder to find) but don't set up it on my home network so it can't phone home, it could scan around anyway and find other open devices more than willing to participate in my personal data exfiltration? If the Amazon project succeeds, I would expect in a few months most home devices manufacturers, to partner to implement…

Coming soon, YouTube video guides on how to locate the rf ICs on the motherboard of your smart tv, and take a Dremel cutting disk to the section of the PCB that has the copper traces for the antenna.

I know you jest, but a simple x-acto knife will usually do the trick

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#156

Post by christophilus »

yunohn wrote: post #77
prox wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For me at some point it became an insight that I don’t always want “faster” or even “simpler” , most things are simple enough already that I don’t need to trade privacy, security, speed or even a nice discount for that latest and greatest product that’s actually just a new sales channel disguised as a product or app.

I feel like you’re making a tangential observation, rather than a direct response to the concept of “convenience” being useful in modern life. Anyways, could you provide some concrete examples of products where you were able to obtain such privacy and security guarantees with minimal friction?

My blender, cutlery, toilet, dishes, and toilet paper. I did have to disable the smart wipe option on the TP, but it was pretty simple.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#157

Post by headmelted »

BT has been doing something similar to their customers in the UK for many years, except with general purpose Wi-Fi (i.e. sharing your home broadband on a second network to third parties that walk by your house for a fee).

Joe Public don’t care as long as the Netflix works, but he probably doesn’t know either.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#158

Post by dopidopHN »

WarOnPrivacy wrote: post #120
bregma wrote: post #99

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Less 1984 and more Fahrenheit 451. There is no central authority imposing this to exert control on the masses: consumers are imposing it on themselves willingly and industry is just giving them what they want. Juvenal redux.

> consumers are imposing it on themselves willingly Without reasonable alternative and without consent is like a LEO version of 'willing'.

I never own a tv, I don’t plan to own one ever.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#159

Post by em-bee »

Havoc wrote: post #9

I wouldn't mind opening up even higher b/w wifi. I've got way more than needed so seed linux distros all day long anyway ...however if someone does something illegal with it that'll still trace back to my IP and police will kick down my door, correct?

on the contrary, if all the devices do that, then you have plausible deniability. they can no longer pin anything on you because it could be a neighbor or even someone out on the street.

the details depend on the country i guess, but at least in some countries there needs to be evidence that it was you before they can do anything.

there was a case where someone was approached for sharing movies. as soon as the authorities found out that this was an airbnb they backed off because they could no longer pin the act on the owner.

Re: Amazon Sidewalk

#160

Post by quickthrower2 »

ceejayoz wrote: post #86
KingOfCoders wrote: post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ah there, another one falling for Apple marketing. FAAG are all companies that want to make the maximum of money from their current market positioning, assets and brand. There is no inherent ethics in any of these companies. The moment Apple doesn't grow on iPhones/apps and see selling customer payment data as a significat add to revenue, they will sell all your data as every other company. Tim is no more ethical tha…

> There is no inherent ethics in any of these companies. Didn't say that. Said they had a much better track record. AirTags launched with clear consideration to privacy issues, like a stalker dropping one in your bag. They appear to have thought this out well. The recent anti-tracking changes to iOS that Facebook is squealing about are another point in their favor for me. Are they my friend? No. Are their interests c…

If by anti tracking you mean the constant permission checking and ability to say “only when app is open” etc. I applaud this.
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