Comcast Turns Millions of Routers into Motion Detectors

Comcast has launched Xfinity Shield, a new home security platform that turns millions of existing routers into motion detectors. The free feature, called WiFi Motion, uses changes in Wi-Fi signals between the gateway and connected devices to detect movement, without cameras or images. It is opt-in and available on advanced gateways (XB7 or newer). Source: The Verge Source: Engadget

What's included

Xfinity Shield bundles WiFi Motion with cybersecurity and parental controls at no extra cost. Comcast says its network blocks an average of 30 million threats daily, and the average customer connects 36 devices to Wi-Fi. Source: CNA A paid tier, Shield Select, costs $15 per month and adds an indoor AI-powered camera, door/window sensor, cloud storage, and 24/7 emergency response. Source: Engadget

How it works

WiFi Motion requires stationary devices like thermostats or speakers, not phones, and can be set to ignore small pets, though this may also miss small children. Sensitivity levels range from low to high. Source: The Next Web Comcast says it spent three years refining the algorithms. Source: The Verge

Privacy concerns

Privacy is a key issue. Comcast's fine print states it "may disclose information generated by your WiFi Motion to third parties without further notice to you" for law enforcement, disputes, or court orders. Source: TechCrunch The Register notes this leaves room for interpretation, while TechRadar called it a potential "privacy nightmare." Source: The Next Web Comcast stresses it does not track individuals or identify people. Source: The Next Web