this post was submitted on 30 May 2024
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Privacy

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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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[–] scottmeme@sh.itjust.works 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Is Asus just asking to have a shitload of lawsuits?

[–] ultratiem@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago (2 children)

It doesn’t seem like they give a shit. This is the company that strong armed NexusGaming with their repairs and have scammed a slew of people thru their warranty system.

If you search for “ASUS repair scam” they have a sorted history of this kind of douchery.

[–] PseudorandomNoise@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago

Watching the GN video was insane because I had that exact same experience with ASUS 10 years ago. Back when they made the Nexus 7. I had to RMA 3 of those dam things and each time I had to go through that song and dance with the RMA forms. I think when the 4th one failed I just gave up, recycled it, and moved on from this company as a whole.

Looks like nothing's changed, which means this way of treating their customers is endemic at this point. They're a lost cause.

[–] Davel23@fedia.io 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I think the word you're looking for is "sordid".

[–] ultratiem@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago

Sometimes I take spellcheck for granite.

[–] Breve@pawb.social 1 points 4 months ago

If anyone is looking for an alternative firmware, check out Fresh Tomato: https://freshtomato.org/

[–] Etterra@lemmy.world 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Because nobody has ever lied on one of these lol. Still criminally stupid of ASUS though.

[–] shottymcb@lemm.ee 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)

They don't care if you're under 16. They have to ask if they want to collect and sell your data. This is a big red sign that says "WE'RE WATCHING EVERYTHING THAT GOES THROUGH YOUR NETWORK AND SELLING IT TO WHOEVER WILL PAY US!"

[–] ultratiem@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 months ago

Yeah I don’t get why so many focus on “well, just lie and say you’re under 16.” Literally nothing to do with the state of affairs.

[–] Lemmchen@feddit.de 0 points 4 months ago

The title could use the word "router" somewhere.

[–] Scolding0513@sh.itjust.works 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)

never use stock router firmware

[–] amir_s89@lemmy.ml 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Any other open source alternative you recommend?

[–] matron1049@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 4 months ago (1 children)
[–] ayaya@lemdro.id 1 points 4 months ago

There is also FreshTomato if your router has Broadcom wifi chipset like mine does.