Wilson: Do you like to share your network? Amazon and Apple do

It’s safe to say that most lawyers have smartphones. Because we have spent so much time at home due to recent events, many have seen the benefits of having a smart home. Everything electronic now seems to need an internet connection to operate appropriately. This begs the question: What are the manufacturers and service providers doing with all of those connected devices and information?

If you ever wondered why Amazon would sell its Echo devices for cheap (hey, buy this product and we’ll throw in an Echo), wonder no more. There’s a plan called Amazon Sidewalk and it seems to involve getting Amazon devices into as many houses as possible. Essentially, Amazon uses its smart home devices to rebroadcast a portion of your internet connection to (and through) other similar devices. Effectively, your house becomes a hot spot, transmitting data through your smart devices to any available wireless device (e.g., your neighbor’s Ring doorbell). The idea is to supplement existing Wi-Fi networks and improve wireless coverage for you and your neighbors.

Imagine all your neighborhood’s Ring doorbells being connected to each other. Amazon could theoretically connect to each of those devices to watch delivery drivers drive down your street. What about security cameras inside your house? If a hacker gets in, can that hacker watch your security camera? If everything is connected, how does it get controlled and who does the controlling?

Apple, too, has a similar technology now available. It’s called AirTag. These are coin-sized tracking devices that can be attached to anything and tracked using Apple’s “Find My” service. Let’s say you put an AirTag in your briefcase or purse and you left that bag in a taxi. The AirTag in your bag sends out a signal, which is received by nearby iPhones, iPads and/or Macs. This network of Apple devices then transfers that location information back to your device, helping you locate the lost bag. Again, a great idea in theory. You can use it to find lost or misplaced items, with better precision than similar available devices.

It’s interesting to compare the two services and approaches to privacy taken by the respective company. Apple’s AirTag is primarily for close proximity uses, where the AirTag must be close enough to another Apple device to work. The “Find My” network is secure and encrypted end to end, using Apple’s propriety security chip along with Bluetooth to process the data. There are other steps Apple has taken to avoid unwanted tracking of a person. You can read more here: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-introduces-airtag/

Similarly, Amazon’s Sidewalk is encrypted for security, but its devices are typically in a single location, not mobile. Sidewalk is not just for tracking location or things. It can be used for almost any kind of short two-way communication. Read more here: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Sidewalk/b?node=21328123011

Sidewalk connects you and your (Amazon) neighbors so that if one goes down, the other might still be working, using the other’s internet access. Another difference is how more devices in the marketplace from other manufacturers can connect directly to Amazon’s devices, because Apple takes a more locked down approach to location tracking.

Amazon is also adding a long-range wireless technology known as LoRa via certain Echo and Ring devices. This will potentially enable long-range tracking of a loved one with dementia who may wander, when paired with a watch or smart band of some kind. It can also be used to track pets.

Good, bad or otherwise, this is reality. Just because you are off the grid doesn’t mean your neighbor is. Amazon’s Sidewalk creates an “invisible network” and is enabled by default. You cannot see what other devices are connected to your “bridge.” Have you checked your device settings (check the Alexa and Ring app) to see if you can figure out how to turn this off? If you have an Apple device and want to opt out of Find My, you have to turn off Find My, which means that you can’t find your lost items. Is that really a choice?

There are certainly some great benefits that could come from this new-era neighborhood watch program. Tech companies are hoping that consumers will not opt out of these relay networks. However, awareness is key. Ensure you know what the devices you allow into your house do and how to use them appropriately. There are benefits if used wisely. Just like most things in life, good things can be used for improper purposes too. You will also want to ensure that these types of devices are configured appropriately, especially if you use them in your law office.•

• Seth R. Wilson is an attorney with Adler Attorneys in Noblesville. In addition to practicing law, he helps manage the day-to-day technology operations of the firm. He writes about legal technology at sethrwilson.com and is a frequent speaker on the subject. Opinions expressed are those of the author.