Amazon’s Ring will stop allowing police to request doorbell video footage from users

Key Points

• Discontinuation of Police Video Requests: Amazon’s Ring has announced the discontinuation of its “Request for Assistance” (RFA) tool, which allowed law enforcement to request users’ doorbell video footage through its Neighbors app. The publicly accessible RFA tool, introduced in 2021, allowed police to submit requests for footage within communities. However, Ring has decided to halt this feature, stating that public safety agencies can no longer use the RFA tool to request and receive video in the app. This move is significant in response to privacy concerns and controversies surrounding Ring’s collaboration with law enforcement.
• Changes in Public Police Partnerships: The article highlights that while law enforcement can no longer use the RFA tool in the Neighbors app, they can still obtain Ring video footage through other means, such as search warrants or subpoenas. The company has also disclosed that in cases involving imminent danger of death or serious physical injury, Ring may provide footage directly to law enforcement. This adds a layer of nuance to the changes, allowing for exceptions in situations where urgent intervention is needed.
• Controversies and Privacy Concerns: Ring, acquired by Amazon in 2015 for $1 billion, has been at the center of controversies related to privacy, particularly due to its partnerships with hundreds of police departments across the U.S. The Neighbors app, accompanied by the RFA tool, raised concerns about the potential for racial profiling and the transformation of residents into informants. The discontinuation of the RFA tool is seen as a response to these concerns. The article also mentions the broader context of Ring’s controversial history, emphasizing the critique from privacy advocates and the company’s efforts to navigate these challenges.