return to SHOPPER home page
| HOME | Recreation Report | Classifieds | Computer FAQ Gal | Lighthouse |
| HOME | Recreation Report | Classifieds | Computer FAQ Gal | Lighthouse |
Is Amazon Sharing Your Internet?
If you have an Amazon smart device such as an Echo speaker or a Ring Doorbell, you may be sharing your Internet connection with your neighbor who has a similar device without permission or your knowledge.
For example, if your neighbor has a Ring Doorbell and the device is having problems connecting to her network, the device will look for other Amazon devices nearby – like your Echo speaker – that can share its connection.
This network sharing technology is called “Sidewalk” and Amazon turned ON the capability to share Internet connection on all their devices, like your Ring Doorbell system, without asking you if you want to share your connection.
Amazon says that the system is very secure and that none of your personal information can be compromised. By network sharing, Amazon hopes to create a mesh of wireless connectivity for its devices. One example that I read was that if there is a person walking down the street that has a medical alert system with them and they fall or have a medical emergency, then their Sidewalk enabled device would have a better chance of finding an internet connection and of them getting medical help faster.
The fact that Amazon turned on this sharing capability without permission is questionable. You are paying for your Internet connection, and you may not want to share it, especially without your knowledge.
The good news is that you can “opt out” of Sidewalk sharing through your smart device’s app. For your Echo device, open your Alexa app and go to Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk and toggle it to OFF. In your Ring Doorbell app, go to Control Center > Amazon Sidewalk and toggle to OFF.
Kathie Pearce
ComputerFAQ #69
360.497.3130
Computer FAQ GAL - Previous Columns
Kathie PearceComputer FAQ GAL
Kathie PearceAugust 25, 2021 Amazon Sharing Your Internet
August 18, 2021 Apple Invades Privacy
August 11, 2021 No Secrets with Alexa
August 4, 2021 Delete Google Photos
July 21, 2021 Find Your Computer Specs
July 14, 2021 How Fast Is Your Internet
July 7, 2021 Windows 11 Arrives Later This Year
June 30, 2021 Keep That Pocket Computer Happy
June 23, 2021 Mark Your Calendars
June 16, 2021 Windows 10 New Widget
June 9, 2021 Summer FREE Microsoft Workshops
June 2, 2021 Good-Bye Old Browser
May 12, 2021 A Year To Remember
May 5, 2021 Cool Windows 10 Features
April 21, 2021 Not Too Late For FREE Windows10
April 14, 2021 Facebook Data Breach
March 24, 2021 Keyboard Shortcuts
March 17, 2021 How's Your Memory
March 10, 2021 Big Brother Is Tracking
March 3, 2021 Windows 10 Refresh
February24, 2021 Starlink Satellite Internet
February 17, 2021 No Secrets With ALEXA
February 10, 2021 WIFI Security Cameras
February 3, 2021 Extend Ethernet Capabilities
January 27, 2021 Desktop Computer Wireless Options
January 20, 2021 Other Options
January 13, 2021 Operating System vs Browser
January 6, 2021 Happy New Year, Now BACK UP!!!
December 23, 2020 Is My Computer Upgrade-able?
December 16, 2020 Browser Update Needed
November 25, 2020 Default Browsers
November 18, 2020 Passwords ReVisited
November 11, 2020 How To Import Favorites
November 4, 2020 Windows 10 Versions
October 28, 2020 HotSpot-Free Internet Alternative?
October 21, 2020 Microsoft Office FREE
October 7, 2020 You Can Choose A Different Browser
September 30, 2020 Google Maps Privacy
September 23, 2020 How Much Data Do You Need?
September 16, 2020 Memory VS Storage
September 9, 2020 Speed Up Your Windows 10
September 2, 2020 Restore Points - Part 2
August 26, 2020 Restore Points - Part 1
August 19, 2020 Broadband Survey Results
August 12, 2020 Windows 10 Mail
August 5, 2020 Edge Blocking My Website
July 29, 2020 Setting Your Browers Homepage
July 22, 2020 What's My Password
July 15, 2020 Tech Support Scams
June 10, 2020 Windows Updates Necessary?
June 3, 2020 Driver Updater Software
May 20, 2020 Comp Black Screen
April 29, 2020 Work and School From Home Safety
April 22, 2020 Welcome CompFAQ Gal
I’ve lived in the Randle area for the past 20 years, moving here from Kent in 1999 to get out of the city life and never looked back. I have three children, my oldest daughter lives in Seattle and the younger daughter and son live in Randle. I’m blessed with three beautiful grandkids.
I started working with computers in the early 80’s when I worked at the Air Traffic Control Center (FAA) in Auburn, WA. I worked there for 12 years and eventually ended up in the computer lab overseeing new Air Traffic Control students doing their required computer training. From there, I took a job with Boeing in their Computer Based Training department developing the computer training materials that airplane customers receive when they buy Boeing’s planes. Except for a few Boeing layoffs and re-hires, I worked there until 2015 when our department was disolved and the work moved elsewhere to save money.
Since leaving Boeing I have worked at a variety of jobs in the valley. While working at Fischer’s Market I met Robert. After he learned of my computer background he told me he was wanting to retire at some point and was looking for someone to work with him and possibly pass the torch to. For the past 6 months or so I’ve been working as his assistant and learning his business. On March 31, I officially purchased ComputerFAQ from him and am very excited to continue his work.
Please send your questions to
ComputerFAQ@live.com
