Amazon Ring no longer shares videos with the police
Ring, which has been criticized in the past for sharing security videos with police without consent, will update its software in February 2024 with a particularly important change. As Eric Kuhn, the head of the Neighbors platform, explained in a Ring blog update on January 24, 2024, the “Request for Assistance” tool, which the police have previously used to ask for user videos from the neighborhood, is being removed from the Neighbors -App.
Public safety agencies like fire and police departments can still use the Neighbors app to share helpful safety tips, updates and community events,” the blog reads. “They will no longer be able to use the RFA tool to request and receive video in the app. Public safety agency posts are still public and will be available for users to view on the Neighbors app feed and the agency’s profile.” We asked Ring about this update, and a Ring spokesperson responded. “As we look to the future of Neighbors, we’re focusing our resources on delivering new product and app experiences that we feel are better fit with Ring’s vision and can better empower our customers to connect with each other, and stay informed by local government and public safety agencies.”
Previously, law enforcement could request users’ video footage and use the Neighbors form to describe a variety of situations for using the footage. This leeway raised major concerns among privacy advocates and property owners about how their data was being shared. Even though this route is closed, there are still ways for police to view users’ videos. Ring’s Neighbor App Request for Assistance feature will be disabled, but there are some important limitations.
Emergencies as an exception
The first is a special emergency call, a legal option that has nothing to do with the request for help. Police can still ask businesses directly for video footage if it is an emergency, limited to life-or-death situations. Ring’s spokesman cited serious physical injuries, kidnappings and attempted murders as examples. He pointed out that these were very rare cases. As Amazon responded in its response to U.S. Senator Ed Merkey’s letter requesting information on similar emergency legal requests, these requests are left to Ring itself to use its “good faith” decision on whether to share the footage . At the time of the request (July 2022), Ring had provided emergency video footage 11 times in the previous seven months.
Additionally, police and other law enforcement agencies can still obtain a search warrant or subpoena to access video footage without consent. A judge must approve this permission to seize video material. The resolution should normally include a period of time during which the recorded material can be examined and taken away.
Since this is a direct change to the tools Ring provides for police, the owner doesn’t have to take any action. When the change goes into effect in February, Ring devices should be powered on and have internet access for firmware updates. In addition to eliminating the “Get Help” option, Ring will also add new features. This includes Ring Moments, which lets you share funny video moments, and a Best of Ring video collection.
