Sonos updated Privacy Policy will require data collection

[WMGroomAK]

In the case of yet another company determining that data collection is an essential function to perform their service, Sonos is updating their Privacy Policy to require the collection of a users email address, IP address, account information, device data, Wi-Fi Antenna data other hardware information, room names and error data.  Users who opt out are being told that their device may receive degraded performance and cease to function in the future.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/sonos-accept-new-privacy-policy-speakers-cease-to-function/

Quote

Sonos has confirmed that existing customers will not be given an option to opt out of its new privacy policy, leaving customers with sound systems that may eventually "cease to function".

 

It comes as the home sound system maker prepares to begin collecting audio settings, error data, and other account data before the launch of its smart speaker integration in the near future.

A spokesperson for the home sound system maker told ZDNet that, "if a customer chooses not to acknowledge the privacy statement, the customer will not be able to update the software on their Sonos system, and over time the functionality of the product will decrease."

 

"The customer can choose to acknowledge the policy, or can accept that over time their product may cease to function," the spokesperson said.

...

Sonos said that users "can opt out of submitting certain types of personal information to the company; for instance, additional usage data such as performance and activity information."

 

But users will not be able to switch off data that the company considers necessary for each Sonos device to perform its basic functions.

 

That "functional data" includes email addresses, IP addresses, and account login information -- as well as device data, information about Wi-Fi antennas and other hardware information, room names, and error data.

It's reason's like this that I think will hinder the develop of a truly integrated home system.  This kind of forced data collection doesn't seem to be just for the benefit of the end user and adds another layer of security issues...

[Shimejii]

Yay government intervention among other things these companies are doing, PLEX did a similar thing and is loosing a ton of people.

[captain cactus]

It's like a car mechanic working on your car deliberately made the brake lines weak and unless you keep coming to him and paying him big cash your brakes will fail over time.

 

Now that's illegal, so I don't why Sonos' actions here aren't because it's the same thing.

[SpaceGhostC2C]

20 minutes ago, WMGroomAK said:

 Users who opt out are being told that their device may receive degraded performance and cease to function in the future.

If true consumer protection existed, this should be enough reason to grant a full refund to whoever requests it.

 

But are rather going in the opposite direction with this new trend of "the terms of a service provision can change at any time at the providers will! Check the small print! Oh, and by the way, buying cars, tractors, computers, sound systems? It doesn't matter, you're buying a service all the same, nto a product! So it will work if we say so! "

[sazrocks]

4 hours ago, Shimejii said:

PLEX did a similar thing and is loosing a ton of people.

Do you have a link? I didn't know about this.

[LostElric]

1 hour ago, sazrocks said:

Do you have a link? I didn't know about this.

This is mostly the resolution of it, people believe because of poorly worded new policy that they would be collecting and sharing data based on your library.Engadget Story.