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Netgear Data Collection
https://hothardware.com/news/netgear-adds-data-collection-to-r7000-router-firmware
Any opt out? Mdoerator please find out. Thanks.
Hello everybody, here is our latest update regarding Router Analytics Data Collection.
54 Replies
- https://hothardware.com/news/netgear-adds-data-collection-to-r7000-router-firmware
This better have an opt out option.Yeah...I'm going to say this as clearly as possible.
Netgear, this is NOT OK.
If you want me to create a support package when I ask for it that includes _some_ of this data, that is acceptable and warranted.
Doing it as a matter of course for "service improvement" reasons is bull**bleep**, EVEN IF YOU CAN OPT OUT, because you know and we know that it will be enabled by default, and most customers not only won't, they won't even be aware it's there.
KNOCK. THIS. OFF!
Rodney
"In a support page update, NETGEAR says that its high-end NightHawk R7000 will begin recording specific information, although it is currently unclear on if the feature can be disabled." I notice that they don't provide a link to this supposid support page update.
Netgear has put up a support page for enabling/disabling the data collection:
https://kb.netgear.com/000038661/How-do-I-Enable-Disable-Router-Analytics-Data-Collection#
Unfortunately, the page Netgear points at (router update page) doesn't have the said options. I didn't find other pages in the firmware with the options...
See also this topic :
Data collection (and the option to disable it) was only introduced in FW V1.0.8.34.
This version is not available to everyone yet (it is rolled out gradually by Netgear)
You are probably on an older version that does not have this option yet.
Netgear better switch this on through opt-in otherwise they are in violation of EU rules. And since the commotion about US datafarming they can be sure they'll get fined.
As what Crazyharry mentioned there's an option to disable the options.
The options are available on fw version 1.0.8.34.
ElaineM question on "Router Auto Firmware Update"
When we upgraded firmwares in the past, the 'standard' answer from NetGear always was "reset to default settings, then upgrade to the new firmware and finally enter your settings again manually"
=> So how does Netgear think this process will be accomplished with Automatic Updates?
Or is "reset to default settings" not needed anymore?
Per our engineers, it's not mandatory to reset the routers, especially Nighthawk products, with these new firmwares.
Should you encounter any issues then that's the time you will need to reset.
- ElaineM How long do I have to disable this option before it sends data, since it is opt-out? Am I supposed to disconnect my router from the internet in the middle of a firmware update just to be sure? Does it send it right away when it boots up? Can I see what data it is actually going to send, i.e. not just your KB article?
If I don't have time to turn it off safely after updating that's not even a legit opt-out IMO.You can always down loand FW update files before hand. Then disconnect the router from the ISP service and update the router and go in and disable this feature before you re-connect the router to the ISP service.
It can be disabled during the process.
So thats how Netgears plans to get the information for it's qos updates let the routers report back about the traffic on the router.
- TheEther I'm going to disagree with you and say it is that bad.
MAC addresses of connected devices tie those specific devices directly to me and my family. Not just their brand. Now they can be tracked moving from access point to access point -- where are people in my family going, what are they doing? (If they are seen at coffee shops, stores, etc.). Who do people in my family associate with? (who owns the other APs they connect to). What is the owner's name, home address, e-mail address? (If I've ever connected an Arlo to my network Netgear knows it came from the same IP and they have all the account data). Do I have an open or closed AP? (Could be relevant in a copyright case e.g. Napster etc.).
There are untold ways this data could be used in very bad ways with very little difficulty -- I work with a lot of data every day, I know how trivial it is.
Do not assume that what NG states their intent to be today is how the data will eventually be used.To tell the truth some where there is a record of every bit of data you have ever placed or received on the internet and if someone wants to find it they will.
I just do not like the idea of spying by your very own router only time will tell how this issue turns out and it will be posted about many times by other people over the years.
For what it's worth - the R9000 Dynamic QoS feature does also have an (Opt-In by default if I'm not wrong) for sharing QoS analytics:
Curios if this part is included on the R7000 data collection, or if that part is dedicated with the Dynamic QoS settings, too.
Would be great if NG got Edward Snowden to test all new hardware before release. ha ha.
- 1. This thread has turned to a discussion of QOS data, which I think is different than the data NG added in the new firmware.
2. That link is not more insightful. It's basically the same high level as in the original KB, and at least I can't post a reply to that thread. Even after reading it the same concerns as I outlined above are still true.
Netgear just shouldn't be doing this IMO. Nobody actually wants their router leaking information. This is one strength NG used to have over e.g. ASUS and Google WiFi devices.
Diggie3 wrote:
1. This thread has turned to a discussion of QOS data, which I think is different than the data NG added in the new firmware.So tell us if the R7000 does have the Dynamic QoS analytics in the dedicated area - otherwise it became part of the Router Analytics.
Diggie3 wrote:
2. That link is not more insightful. It's basically the same high level as in the original KB, and at least I can't post a reply to that thread.Sorry, this is nonsesne. The KB does show how to opt-out, while the post linked is (almost) sufficient to take a decision.
Diggie3 wrote:
Even after reading it the same concerns as I outlined above are still true.Except of the last question you had, all other questions are related to the mandatory or default along with the router update opt-in.
Diggie3 wrote:
Netgear just shouldn't be doing this IMO. Nobody actually wants their router leaking information. This is one strength NG used to have over e.g. ASUS and Google WiFi devices.Install the firmware offline. Disable the feature you don't want your router participating fearing of data leaks. But seriously - Google, FB, Twitter & Co. know more about you already.
Well if you feel that NG shouldn't be doing anything, maybe you need to find a different router Mfr. Though there are some that I presume don't collect any data, I think that NG isn't collecting any private data other then what is seen under QoS and for there QoS feature since NG seems to be using this kind of database to help them in there QoS feature to make users expereinces better when using QoS. I don't think NG is collecting any other kind of data thats private. I think your trying to apply your fears as a blanket concern about any kind of data collection. Most router Mfrs don't collect any private data and maintain good security to prevent threats and problems surrounding this. If you don't feel this is right when using NG, then go with a different Mfr. However, again, you have major sites like Google, FB and all the rest who have more information on your then some router Mfr. Go take a look at what Google Analytics does. :smileyfrustrated:
Good Luck.
Diggie3 wrote:
1. This thread has turned to a discussion of QOS data, which I think is different than the data NG added in the new firmware.
2. That link is not more insightful. It's basically the same high level as in the original KB, and at least I can't post a reply to that thread. Even after reading it the same concerns as I outlined above are still true.
Netgear just shouldn't be doing this IMO. Nobody actually wants their router leaking information. This is one strength NG used to have over e.g. ASUS and Google WiFi devices.https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/7/14527360/vizio-smart-tv-tracking-settlement-disable-settings Business model?
Theres far more info available from a router than a TV set IMO.
