Ahh the joys of shopping Amazon! This is article #1 of 2 about ways to avoid getting burned by the “sales” they run every summer. (Here is article #2 of 2.) This one focuses on the spyware built into Amazon smart devices. They give new meaning to “Buyer Beware!” I posted this article on Substack in mid-2026.
~FloxMonster™, July 25, 2026
Amazon Brand = Spyware
Yay, it’s summer. The Amazon Prime Lie Day Sales are upon us.
I know, I know. For multiple reasons (mostly Bezos’ dickwadacity), many people still boycott the company. I respect that.
However, some folks are limited in shopping choices, be it for health, economic, or geographical reasons, etc. So let’s do some Tips to Minimize the Damage if you’re shopping there this week.
Tip #1. Never, Ever Buy Amazon Electronics.
I say this often: never buy Amazon brand electronics. They are all spyware. Seriously. They are designed to be. The whole list: Amazon Ring, Echo, Dot, Alexa, Fire, and their so-called “Smart” devices (etc). If it connects to wifi and has a mic, it is sending your words to Amazon HQ.
Now, this is not just an Amazon issue. No, sad to say, many brands violate our privacy the same way. However, Amazon specifically has been “caught” (documented) numerous times keeping our data and even passing it to third parties without the knowledge or consent of consumers. That means me and you.
So really, you will never know who might listen to your secrets (or watch you naked) at any point in the future. If that makes you uncomfortable, it absolutely should.
Who might that person be? Maybe law enforcement? Stalkers? … Competitors for a job promotion? Because anyone with enough cash could potentially purchase your recordings from Amazon, or from whomever Amazon sells them to.
Okay. So Amazon is quick to assure folks, “Oh, you can delete the recordings manually.” Really? Because personally, I question whether we can trust that, since all these devices:
Arrive actively set to listen.
Record everything without your consent.
Never allow you to opt-out.
Only started giving warnings after public outcry.
And now require special action from you to remove your own data from Amazon.
None of that behavior sounds trustworthy to me. Therefore, I refuse to buy Amazon electronics, and I warn my friends too. But you should make your own decision.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/14/doorbell-cameras-ring-nancy-guthrie-super-bowl
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/6/1/amazon-to-pay-out-30-8m-over-alleged-spying-on-customers
(There are so many more…)
We must all stand up! These blatant privacy violations happen because the Big Corp MAGA (Meta, Amazon, Google, and Associates) make $$$ from it.
** What can you do? **
Never buy Amazon electronics. Period.
Write your representatives. Demand privacy legislation with teeth.
Search “Amazon Caught Spying” and share what you find.
They count on us being too lazy to fight. Prove them wrong.
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