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submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by ultratiem@lemmy.ca to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

ASUS rolled out an update to its firmware (3.0.0.6.102_34791) that now requires users to be over the age of 16 and to send a slew of metrics and data back to ASUS. If you do not agree or do not check the box to verify you are 16y or older, you cannot use the router. At this time, I’m not sure if ASUS has meant to disable the router for anyone under 16 or if it’s a bug.

You can opt out at any time but lose access to a slew of features:

Please note that users are required to agree to share their information before using DDNS, Remote Connection (ASUS Router APP, Lyra APP. AiCloud, AiDisk), AiProtection, Traffic analyzer, Apps analyzer, Adaptive QoS, Game Boost and Web history. At any time, users can search the contents of the terms at this page or stop sharing their information with other parties by choosing Withdraw.

Moreover, ASUS disables automatic firmware updates and worse, all security upgrades unless you opt into the data sharing. Security upgrades perform the following:

Security upgrade incorporates security measures that continuously update its security file and scans to protect against malware, malicious scripts, and emerging threats in order to secure the router and ensure system stability. Some upgrades addressing important security issues or meeting legal/regulatory requirements will still be downloaded and installed automatically, even if "Security Upgrade" is turned off.

Edit: I have personally contacted their CEO's office, but if others would like to voice their disapproval as well, here is a link: https://www.asus.com/us/support/article/787/

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[-] geoma@lemmy.ml 35 points 5 months ago

Asus went the bad way. Check out louis rossman vídeos about asus, héroes one of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHQqKi9NcTs It is a company to be avoided. It went the non ethical way.

[-] PipedLinkBot@feddit.rocks 4 points 5 months ago

Here is an alternative Piped link(s):

https://www.piped.video/watch?v=NHQqKi9NcTs

Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.

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[-] VeryImportantUser@lemmy.world 3 points 5 months ago

It went the non ethical way.

Sadly, you can swap Asus with pretty much any popular company's name and it still holds true.

[-] winkerjadams@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 5 months ago

Gamers nexus mentioned two decent brands (arctic and fractal) in their most recent video about Asus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYdtpU8FKO8 around the 11:11 mark

But yes, sadly most popular companies seem to be garbage nowadays.

[-] PipedLinkBot@feddit.rocks 2 points 5 months ago

Here is an alternative Piped link(s):

https://www.piped.video/watch?v=uYdtpU8FKO8

Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.

I'm open-source; check me out at GitHub.

[-] geoma@lemmy.ml 1 points 5 months ago

Yes... But some more than others

[-] FoD@startrek.website 3 points 5 months ago

Every other company seems to charge for parental controls. It's so stupid, I don't need another fee just because I have a child in my life.

I wanted to degoogle, so I looked for a new router and ended up with an Asus.

this post was submitted on 30 May 2024
477 points (99.8% liked)

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