Comcast has responded to a backlash over its new opt-in WiFi Motion feature, which turns customers' Xfinity Gateway routers into motion sensors using Wi-Fi signal disturbances rather than cameras or microphones. The feature, part of a new platform called Xfinity Shield, prompted anger online after users noticed support-page wording suggesting Comcast could share motion data without notification if legally compelled, fuelling fears about surveillance and unauthorised access given wider concerns about how authorities obtain data from private companies.

Comcast spokesperson Meagan Sloan told The Verge that WiFi Motion records are kept in the Xfinity app for up to seven days and that, like any company, Comcast could be required to disclose that data if served a valid subpoena, court order or search warrant. Sloan confirmed the feature is strictly opt-in by the customer and cannot be enabled remotely, and said Comcast cannot view motion data in real time in a way that would reveal whether someone is home. The controversy follows other recent surveillance-related backlashes, including Ring's split from Flock Safety.