NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

Murby's avatar
Murby
Aspirant
Apr 16, 2026

Data Blackmail via Router Function?

I'm considering purchasing a NetGear AX5400 router, or maybe a similar model, but I have a question.

 

My current router is an ASUS unit that is comparable in technology to the AX5400.  My home network has about 20 devices that connect.   Security cameras, tablets, PC's, laptops, etc.    I'm very careful when it comes to certain security issues and one of the things I have done is to block my security cameras from communicating outside my own network.  They have no access to the WAN per a setting in the ASUS router.

 

Now I have a child who is accessing the internet and I want to set up some additional controls.   The ASUS router has the controls (features) I want, but in order to use them, I have to check the box on a user agreement that allows the router to send my data to another company..   WTF????    In order to make full use of the router, ASUS wants to force me to allow Trend Micro or some name like that, to get my data.  (see screenshot)   NO WAY am I allowing that.   I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that any company would pull this type of thing..  

 

My question:   Does Netgear pull this same garbage?    If I purchase the netgear router, will I be able to use all the features without giving up my data to another company?

2 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User

    Netgear's Terms and Conditions are here:

    https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions/

     

    Internet search turns up active discussions regarding Asus and Trend Micro.  It is not clear (to me) whether Netgear's Bitdefender Armor is similar to Asus Trend Micro (or not).

     

    Yes, Netgear's Community Forum interface has been broken since the first week of January.  We had been able to past screen shots into Forum posts, and now receive this ridiculous message:

    The only work-around is to store the image on a cloud service and then use the Camera icon to use a link "from Image URL" (as I did above).

  • This website forum won't seem to allow me to upload a screenshot PNG file.