While I’m dubious of the claim due to the robust permissions management in the latest versions of iOS and Android, it is interesting that a company has come out and said they are doing what everyone is thinking.
And yes they are a subsidiary of the parent of Cox Communications, the ISP, so I would be switching to a competitor ASAP if I had their services
If it’s the technicolor you are not required to use that afaik. I have an SB8200 and my own router. Just configured the router to my static ip. Had to power cycle the modem and I was good.