Amazon's Expanded Sidewalk: Privacy Tech's Double-Edged Sword

Amazon's Sidewalk is a cloud-based connectivity service. It has sparked a lot of debate. It uses Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) to protect user data. But there's a catch. These technologies might actually boost Amazon's control over the tech landscape. Let's break it down. Amazon took a big step in 2021. It turned Echo and Ring devices into Sidewalk "gateways. " These gateways let compatible Internet of Things (IoT) devices connect to Amazon Web Services (AWS). This setup is more than just a connectivity boost. It's a way for Amazon to expand its cloud infrastructure. IoT manufacturers can now use AWS as a software production environment. This is where the PET paradox comes in. PETs are supposed to even out power imbalances. But in this case, they might do the opposite. By limiting some data flows, Amazon can offer narrow privacy guarantees. This makes users feel safe. But it also turns their devices into part of a massive, crowdsourced network. This network covers 90% of the US population. It's a big win for Amazon's AWS offerings. But it raises some serious concerns. Surveillance and competition issues are at the top of the list. Here's where it gets tricky. Amazon calls the shots on how these PETs are used. Manufacturers have to adjust their hardware, software, and even their organizational processes. This makes their devices depend on Amazon's computational infrastructure. It's a clever move. But it also gives Amazon more power. This is not just about connectivity. It's about control. So, what's the takeaway? Power analyses in PET design need to look beyond data flows. They need to consider the bigger picture. This includes the impact on competition and surveillance. It's a complex issue. But it's crucial for shaping future policies and tech research.