Privacy– WiFi Unnecessarily Req. Cloud Services

[Walt805]

Just something to file under feedback—

It's become apparent that Google is insistent on encroaching on my privacy. I'm not even one of those "there's cameras surveilling me everywhere in public, I'm outraged" types of people, but this is a bit too far.  To be able to use any of the features that I require, like port forwarding, and LAN DHCP Reservations, you must agree to and have Nest Cloud Services enabled.  I discovered this while evaluating my needs in looking to physically upgrade my household WiFi from the G Nest pucks that we've had for a few years.

I won't be going with Google products, because there is no cloud required functionality for these features. An everyday residential user may be mislead, but not one with CCNA + other network admin credentials. I've been a Google fan since Gmail was invitation only in the early 2000's, and the google.com homepage had the mission statement to "do no evil". I'm really disappointed that Google has become this low, so I'm moving away from their products.

[MplsCustomer]

@Walt805 

We don't have (or want) Google Wi-Fi, but perhaps this Google Nest Help topic is relevant:

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246642

[Walt805 · Accepted solution]

The relevant information about why Google / Nest believes they need to collect and store data using their "Cloud Services" can be read here.

https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6246642?hl=en&ref_topic=9840700&sjid=904798174979666534...

I take issue with this because of principle, not because I'm contributing to their market data or whatever. I just don't like doing business with corporations that are misleading and lack transparency where they could easily provide it (of course, without the divulgence of trade secrets).

One specific example of my concern–they intercept HTTP headers from devices to infer/attempt to determine which manufacturer made a device that is connected to the Google Nest WiFi network. Also, which type of device it is. They also send some or all of the 12 hex character MAC address (the one-of-a-kind fingerprint identity) of the device connected across the internet. It's mentioned that they do not store this data, but they do not state that it isn't transmitted outside of your private network (unnecessary). They can use this information to extrapolate market data, like "oh that's another iPhone or Pixel device in that household, okay we won't keep the exact fingerprint of the device, but we're going to change our count of 2 iPhones in that household to 3."  Manufacturer information is stored in the first 3 sets, or 6 hex characters of every MAC address.

There is NO reason for that data being sent anywhere outside of my local area network to provide the Port Forwarding or DHCP IP Reservation features on my W/LAN.  (The ARP table, etc are all stored local, as needed for IP reservations, etc).

The point is, they're unnecessarily disabling "advanced networking" features (that have been around in routers for decades) unless you agree to have your arm twisted and agree to their terms. It's misleading.  Someone less informed would assume "Oh, Google needs to have access to my data so that they can provide these features that my gaming manufacturer or home surveillance camera manufacturer said that I need to configure" — when that's not true at all.

[MplsCustomer]

@Walt805 

It seems you may have some legitimate concerns. I'm glad we use Linksys routers as access points to extend our Wi-Fi's reach in our home.

[LovelyM]

Hello everyone,

Your help here is greatly appreciated, @MplsCustomer.

We're always looking for ways to improve and we'll take this as feedback. You can also file feedback using the Google Home app by visiting this link for more steps.

Let us know if you have additional questions or concerns; otherwise, I'll close the thread after 24 hours.

Cheers, 
Lovely

[ayang90]

I returned a TP-Link WiFi router because remote management could not be disabled. Thought Google Nest Pro would be better in terms of security and privacy but I was disappointed.