Sonos, the popular audio brand, has come under fire again after a recent update to its privacy policy raised concerns about user data. The change, discovered by YouTuber Louis Rossman, affects the section titled "How We May Share Personal Information."
Missing Promise
Previously, the policy included a clear statement: "Sonos does not and will not sell personal information about our customers." This reassuring line has vanished in the June 2024 update for the US policy, while remaining present in other countries' policies.
User Backlash
The change triggered a wave of criticism from Sonos users. Rossman's video highlighting the update on the Sonos subreddit became a platform for user frustration. Many voiced fears that Sonos would now sell their data to third parties. Some comments even accused the company of alienating its loyal customer base.
Intriguing Discrepancy
The policy change appears limited to the US. A review of privacy pages for Canada, Spain, Britain, and Australia revealed the line about not selling customer data remains present and bolded. This inconsistency has fueled speculation about the reason behind the US-specific alteration. One theory suggests that stricter consumer protection laws in other countries might explain the differing policies.
Understanding the Reaction
The negative reaction from users is understandable. Concerns about data privacy and big tech surveillance have been steadily growing for years. Recent controversies involving app updates removing basic features haven't helped Sonos' image either.
A Room for Optimism?
However, it's important to consider alternative explanations. This situation might echo a similar incident with Adobe. Recently, Adobe's updated Terms of Use sparked concerns about user-created content being used for AI training. Adobe later clarified the policy, assuring users that their content wouldn't be accessed.
Seeking Clarity
To gain a clearer picture, we've contacted Sonos for clarification on the policy change and its impact on users. We will update this article with any response received.
