Comcast adds motion sensing to millions of its newer routers, with a privacy catch
Comcast has introduced a motion-sensing feature for its newer Xfinity routers that uses Wi-Fi signal interruptions to detect movement. However, the feature comes with a privacy caveat, as Comcast reserves the right to share data generated by the service with third parties under legal circumstances.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing intersection of smart home utility and data privacy, specifically regarding how ISPs handle user activity data.
Comcast has rolled out a new motion sensing technology to its latest home routers, allowing homeowners to receive notifications about activity detected inside their house while they are away.
The free feature, called Wi-Fi Motion , turns newer Xfinity gateways into motion sensors by detecting interruptions to the Wi-Fi signal of the wireless network, and sends a notification through the Xfinity app.
As first reported by The Verge , the new Wi-Fi Motion feature works for advanced Xfinity gateways XB7 and newer models and is opt-in, which means users can choose whether to switch on the feature in the Xfinity app. As quoted by the publication, customers can use this feature for “motion detection in their home and for a basic level of security.”
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