Next week, Amazon will be launching a new program called Amazon Sidewalk. This service will use the Amazon devices you own to create a shared, low-bandwidth network designed to help Alexa-enabled devices like Amazon Echo speakers, Ring Security Cams, Tile Trackers, and others stay connected.

 

When enabled, Sidewalk can help your devices stay online outside the range of your home WiFi, support other Sidewalk-enabled devices in your community, and even help to locate lost items or pets.

But leaving Sidewalk enabled on your device also means that you’ll be sharing a small portion of internet bandwidth with other nearby devices that are not part of your household.

 

In addition to sharing your WiFi with your neighbors (and any other devices that pass within range), this shared network raises obvious privacy concerns. While Amazon says that Sidewalk was “designed to protect your privacy” with “multiple layers of encryption,” this reassurance isn’t enough for some Amazon device owners.

 

Since Amazon will be automatically adding all of its eligible devices to Sidewalk on June 8, you’ll need to opt out before then if you’d rather not participate in this shared network. Luckily, that’s a fairly easy process. Here’s how:

• Open your Amazon Alexa app.
• Select the More icon at the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
• Go to Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk.
• Use the toggle switch to disable Sidewalk.