Managed IT Services Providers Discuss About Wi-Fi Routers Tracking Your Browsing History

Almost all internet traffic is controlled by home Wi-Fi routers. This is because they are the hub of digital activity, so privacy concerns are natural. But how much do routers really “see”? Researchers from top managed IT services publications reviewed over 30,000 words from top router brands’ privacy policies to find answers. Here is what they discovered concerning the collection, use, and sharing of router data. 

Managed IT Services Providers Discuss About Wi-Fi Routers Tracking Your Browsing History

Privacy Policies Are Vague, Long, and Confusing 

The router privacy documents are usually stuffed with legalistic terms and phrases and contain unclear language. Most of them have clauses such as “We can gather and disclose information,” however, this often does not provide details. This vague description gives companies freedom to do things in a way that users and even managed IT services companies may not have anticipated- or approved of.  

Policies are also inclined to address all that the company does, not only the router activity. This consists of applications, websites, and even job applications. It does not necessarily mean that all of the content is immediately relevant to the device in someone’s living room. And although manufacturers attempt to summarize them, yet the majority of actual information is still buried in the long and confusing text.  

What Data Do Routers Collect? Managed IT Services 

The report shared that every brand that was researched gathered some personal data. This involves names, addresses, and contact information when the user registers the device or contacts support, in particular. This is in addition to the data that routers also collect on technical information. This includes things such as signal strength, the type of devices connected to them, and usage statistics. However, the big question is, do routers capture web browsing history for individuals and businesses like managed IT services firms? 

Are Routers Logging Browsing History? 

Most router brands claim not to monitor the sites visited by users, despite the assumptions. Here are some responses from top Wi-Fi router companies: 

Google Nest 

Browsing is not tracked but gathers technical information only when performance is involved. 

Eero 

This company states that it neither tracks nor can monitor internet browsing activity. 

Asus 

Clarifies that it does not track browsing information and does not use advertisement cookies. 

Netgear 

Will only collect the browsing history when certain features are turned on. Cybersecurity and parental control tools can also record this information, although only after they have been enabled. 

TP-Link Managed IT Services

The privacy policy is conflicting. It takes note of tracking browsers through cookies, and later states that routers do not track browsing. The company later made it clear that it applies to websites and not routers. 

CommScope (Arris) 

Routers sold at retail do not log browsing history, but those provided by an ISP may be different. 

D-Link Managed IT Services

This company sadly failed to clarify their practices, leaving them open to doubt. Recent router vulnerability was also traced back to this company. 

How Is Collected Data Used? Managed IT Services

Even when the browsing history is not stored, other kinds of information are logged by the routers that managed IT services companies and individuals must be aware of. This contains device information, signal strength, and approximate geographic location. This data is utilized by most manufacturers in marketing and the improvement of performance. The trouble is that this data frequently finds its way into the hands of internal partners, occasionally even ad networks or analytics services.  

As a result of this, researchers fear that once shared, the data can be used to create extensive user profiles. Companies insist that these uses are restricted, but it is difficult to trace what finally happens to the data.  

Can Users Stop Data Collection? 

Some brands have opt-out options which are preferable for individuals and businesses like managed IT services companies, alike. However, accessibility and convenience are highly inconsistent. For example, Asus gives an option to the user to revoke permission in settings. Whereas Minim or Motorola provides an opt-out in its companion app. Good Nest, on the other hand, allows the user to take control by using the privacy settings on the app. 

Other companies, however, have hard-to-find or limited opt-outs. Netgear for one, has an opt-out during iOS setup. But those who are Android users would have to discover a hidden form within the app. While TP-Link and D-Link do not provide direct opt-outs, they do suggest turning off personalized advertising on such websites as Google and Facebook. Sadly, Eero has no opt out option. Instead, users are required to cease the usage of devices and delete the app. However, managed IT services firms are worried that even in that case, data destruction may interfere with service. Additionally, certain data will remain because of backups or legal requirements. 

Alarmingly, among the brands compared, CommScope (Arris’s parent company) states that some data uses, like analytics, could count as “selling” under California law.  

What Can Users Do to Protect Privacy? 

Individual users and companies like those in managed IT services should know that although routers may not record websites, they record other sensitive information. This data not only supports features and services, but it also goes into marketing. Therefore, to enhance digital privacy at home or in the company tech infrastructure, some steps need to be undertaken. This should include looking at the entire privacy policy and not only the summary and checking within apps or router configurations to enable privacy. Moreover, additional layers of protection, such as VPNs or network-level firewalls, should be used. And of course, router selection is important. Only get brands that are clear about their data practices.  

Final Takeaway Managed IT Services

The privacy of routers is not always easy. Most brands do not record browsing history, but other types of data are recorded and frequently shared. Privacy-focused users and their trusted managed IT services firms can stay informed, adjust settings, and opt out when possible. By taking smarter decisions now, digital habits can remain more secure in the future. Here at EB Solution, we ensure we have all these details covered so our partner companies do not need to worry about them. Are you unsure of your company’s security status?  

Call us today!

Managed IT Services