Google today announced a new router called OnHub, that should make your Wifi easy, secure and faster but allows Google to spy on your home network. Or not? The OnHub terms of service states that the search giant may collect and use 'technical and related information' about your devices and network.
Google markets the device as a router that makes your Wifi faster. The router achieves this by hopping to another channel when the currently used one becomes too occupied. The OnHub is able to prioritize traffic of certain devices to ensure e.g. bandwidth availability when streaming content.
The router is developed together with router manufacturer TP-Link and can be controlled using an app available for both Android and iOS. Besides support for Wifi, it also supports Zigbee/Thread, Bluetooth, Weave and 802.15.4, all protocols to communicate with e.g. smart light bulbs, smoke detectors and thermostats.
None of the features can't be found on other routers, the main selling point appears to be the form-factor of the device, a cylindrical tower.
As with most Google projects it's always interesting to read the Terms of Service and/or Privacy Policy. The OnHub requires a Google account and is covered by Google's regular Privacy Policy, but has a dedicated Terms of Service. And it appears Google understands the privacy concerns when it puts a router in your house.
Google States in the OnHub Terms and Services:
You agree that Google may collect and use technical and related information, including but not limited to information about your computer and/or mobile device, operating system, peripherals, applications, connected devices, network traffic, and data use to facilitate the provision of the Software and Services, including support and other related services. The OnHub Privacy FAQ describes the categories of data collected and how you can use privacy settings to change what data is collected by the Services.
Good to know is that the OnHub Privacy FAQ starts with, "Importantly, the Google On app and your OnHub do not track the websites you visit or collect the content of any traffic on your network."
And for users that are still concerned about their privacy, the OnHub comes with the possibility to switch off several ways the router collects data to perform its magic.
Google normally stores some data in the cloud, but allows you to switch off this features. When turned off, Google will no longer store information about devices, network status, data usage, network settings, and data required for automatic channel setting. It's also possible to turn off OnHub stats, that, when enabled, collects anonymous data on your network type usage, crash reports and performance of the device. And if that's not enough, it's also possible to turn off collection of data through the OnHub app, which normally collects the amount features are used and crash reports.
Google also promises that if any features change and the company needs to change the way it collects, stores and use data their "intent is to explain how they collect, store, or use data in a way that is different from what we describe".
