Privacy Update

  • 17 August 2017
  • 34 replies
  • 2770 views

Userlevel 4
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I’ve received an email from Sonos regarding an update to their privacy policy ahead of new software and system updates next week. Alexa integration? I think so...

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34 replies

It seems that way, but it entirely possible said update isn't the full update for Alexa integrartion. As well, Amazon has to an update as well, which they haven't talked about yet, as far as I know.
I have just updated my Sonos speakers and no integration in the uk yet with Alexa!!!!! ????
You can sign up to be notified by email when Alexa integration is complete: https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4158
I have not received an email, but the 7.4 update just released modifies the accepted privacy policy by default, and does little else. The actual Alexa update isn't that; I suspect that one will qualify for 8.0 designation!
Wonder what trackers it planted on my speakers. Wouldn't install unless I confirmed acceptance.
Userlevel 5
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Wonder what trackers it planted on my speakers. Wouldn't install unless I confirmed acceptance.
Yes, it's all part of their master plan to distribute speakers through a software update.

It's the future of Sonos. Software microphones. It's going to be big!
LOL.
HAHA!!!
Userlevel 2
Badge +5
Hello! SInce this "update", I have a big problem with the sound. It seems that the Dolby Digitat 2.0 does not pass any more and the rear speakers do a strange noise like a "click". I seems that the Dolby Digital 5.0 is OK, but in Switzerland there is several channels who broadcast Dolby Digital 2.0. I have a Playbar, a SUB and 2 Play:1. I changed the settings of my television Samsung as on the joined photos but i dont want to have only stereo sound!! 😠 Somebody else has this problem ? Thanks in advance and excuse me for my bad english.
After the latest update my surround stopped working. Looking at a movie with Dolby digital 5.1 but the playbar say that the input is stereo? Is a bug in 7.4?
it seems this is a real issue: https://www.extremetech.com/electronics/254561-sonos-accept-new-privacy-policy-well-brick-device

Sonos, if we do not accept your privacy policy and due to this the device we own will no longer function then what is your buy back policy for these devices?
This is getting a lot of attention:

https://www.secnews24.com/2017/08/22/sonos-says-users-must-accept-new-privacy-policy-or-devices-may-cease-to-function-2/

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/22/sonos_forces_revised_privacy_terms/

https://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/3016134/sonos-threat-to-decrease-functionality-of-customers-products-if-they-dont-agree-to-privacy-policy-changes

https://pacific.epeak.in/2017/08/23/sonos-privacy-policy-sparks-outrage-speakers-may-cease-to-function/

https://rbfirehose.com/2017/08/22/zdnet-sonos-says-users-must-accept-new-privacy-policy-or-devices-may-cease-to-function/
Userlevel 5
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it seems this is a real issue: https://www.extremetech.com/electronics/254561-sonos-accept-new-privacy-policy-well-brick-device

Sonos, if we do not accept your privacy policy and due to this the device we own will no longer function then what is your buy back policy for these devices?
Rather than jump straight into hysterics, are there any issues you have with the new privacy policy George? I might be able to assuage some fears on particular points because it's really quite benign. Not to mention, it's barely changed from the previous version.

I'd also remind you that the device will not be "bricked" regardless of what clickbait headlines say.
Also getting a lot of attention on old and new social media.

https://mobile.twitter.com/search?q=Sonos+privacy+policy&src=typed_query

https://m.slashdot.org/story/330297

https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/6vaa17/sonos_says_users_must_accept_new_privacy_policy/
Userlevel 5
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Edit: Sorry, double post. Board said it hadn't gone through the first time.
Userlevel 5
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Sonos is learning that people on the Internet are so eager to be outraged that they rarely concern themselves with the facts.

Nice try being upfront and communicating your intentions, but I've got hysterics to throw!
Userlevel 6
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Sonos is learning that people on the Internet are so eager to be outraged that they rarely concern themselves with the facts.

Nice try being upfront and communicating your intentions, but I've got hysterics to throw!


I'm not hysterical; but I am a little concerned about the company's attitude toward this policy. If the quote on ZDNet is correct, then Sonos has changed the agreement with a purchaser like myself after I have purchased 24 Sonos products. (They already did this with Audible support.)

I love the audio quality and convenience of my Sonos gear. I was planning to buy a few more Sonos products; but that purchase has been put on hold until the Alexa and Audible support are implemented. This controversy over the privacy policy is not pushing my desire to buy in the right direction.
Sonos is learning that people on the Internet are so eager to be outraged that they rarely concern themselves with the facts.


IMO, this isn't just so much with people being unconcerned with fact, but media that is less concerned about facts as they are with clicks and whatever their personal agenda is. The two feed off each other in a downward cycle.


Edited by moderator
Wanted to add, has anybody considered what happens to Sonos if they don't force users to acknowledge the privacy policy? You end up with a user who doesn't opt out, then Sonos for taking data that they didn't know about. Sonos has no recourse. By asking all users to acknowledge the policy with the upgrade, users cannot claim they were never informed.
Userlevel 7
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This has now been picked up by ZD Net

http://www.zdnet.com/article/sonos-accept-new-privacy-policy-speakers-cease-to-function/
Userlevel 5
Badge +11

I'm not hysterical; but I am a little concerned about the company's attitude toward this policy. If the quote on ZDNet is correct, then Sonos has changed the agreement with a purchaser like myself after I have purchased 24 Sonos products. (They already did this with Audible support.)

I don't mean anything personal by that comment. Just having some fun, and it's honestly more reflected by the comments on Twitter/elsewhere.

I would once again like to remind you that Sonos has actually changed almost nothing in the Privacy Policy. The twinge of hysteria comes from the fact that most people don't seem to have an actual objection to the changed material. For you has there been something concerning added?
Userlevel 1
Hello! SInce this "update", I have a big problem with the sound. It seems that the Dolby Digitat 2.0 does not pass any more and the rear speakers do a strange noise like a "click". I seems that the Dolby Digital 5.0 is OK, but in Switzerland there is several channels who broadcast Dolby Digital 2.0. I have a Playbar, a SUB and 2 Play:1. I changed the settings of my television Samsung as on the joined photos but i dont want to have only stereo sound!! 😠 Somebody else has this problem ? Thanks in advance and excuse me for my bad english.

Hi there Cococo, yes I have very similar problems since the Sonos update. I can only get consistent sound if set to Stereo. Otherwise it gives me those clicks if I change channel, or move from one YouTube clip to another on my smart TV. Pass through of 5.1 seems OK, but even then it often fails.
Sonos' lack of concern about their users privacy has convinced me that I need to look elsewhere for my hardware. Plex just tried this last week. Not allowing an opt out is a path that will upset quite a few users.

Nice try being upfront and communicating your intentions, but I've got hysterics to throw!


Being concerned about a large corporation collecting data from a speaker, that is on all day every day in my living room, kids rooms and bedroom is hysterics? GTFO it is called being a responsible adult.

The data they collect is/will be hugely valuable, Given the social identifiers they collect along with the things you can't opt out of, the profile they build is going to be $$$$ and it is going to worthwhile/impossible for them not to expand its use. I don't trust them not to abuse this over time. Other companies do this all the time, Sonos is following a familliar pattern. What is different about Sonos is that they are a physical object I own, not a bank account, credit card or service that I can just cancel.

I don't want them building profiles on what me and my family listens to over the next decade+ of ownership. For example, I don't want them knowing the room names unless I need support - I have personal reasons for this. Why should I let them know what my very young kids listen to for years and years? I don't want them to know when I am watching TV, the format or listening to my music. Why should they know when I listen to my music form my NAS? How is this necessary if I am not asking for support? BasicallyI don't want them monitoring continually recording "functional data" from my network unless I need support and grouping a whole bunch of items, saying it is required for my system to run is totally disingenous on their part.

I've read the policy, I've engaged customer support via email and twitter and they are providing ZERO new information about specific questions I have about the policy. Engaging circle the wagon mode instead of trying to help me understand why I should be happy with Sonos is not what I expect from the company.

These are concerns that I have that you may not share or think are totally irrational. Responses here haven't be all that helpful, what I've reard (paraphrasing) is that other companies do this all the time, who cares if they know I listen to X artist in the bathroom or you don't understand the technicalities of the product, they must know when you watch tv on your playbar for reasons.

So Skelton, I will gladly read any comments you may wish to provide about why my concerns are totally irrational and that I should just shut up about it and continue my life.
Userlevel 4
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But you still accepted the privacy policy after reading it when you installed Sonos for the first time?