Amazon Ring inquiry examines data privacy issues in providing footage to police

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Amazon Ring doorbell camera data privacy letter overview: 

• Who: Amazon has responded to an inquiry by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) into how it protects the data privacy of its Ring doorbell camera users. 
• Why: Amazon disclosed it has turned over the Ring doorbell camera footage to police 11 times this year without a warrant or without first receiving consent from the user. 
• Where: Amazon Ring doorbell cameras are used by consumers nationwide. 

Amazon disclosed in a letter addressed to a Democratic senator earlier this month that it gave police access to video surveillance captured by Ring doorbell cameras without the permission of their users almost a dozen times already this year, raising privacy concerns. 

The disclosure was made in response to a letter sent to Amazon by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in which he asked the company to explain how it protects the privacy rights of its Ring doorbell users. 

At the center of Markey’s concern was Amazon Ring’s Neighbors Public Safety Service, which police agencies can use to request access to Ring recordings in the event they could be helpful in law enforcement investigations. 

“Notably, reports indicate that multiple police departments have attempted to bypass Ring’s video request process, including by gaining direct access to user footage in real time,” Markey wrote. 

The senator also argued law enforcement being able to access Amazon Ring camera footage helped proliferate the circumventing of “key systems of public accountability.” 

“Ring enables police surveillance without public cost, debate or approval,” Markey wrote. 

Ring says it does not provide ‘unfettered access’ to customer data, video

Ring, meanwhile, says it follows the law regarding customer data or video access.

“It’s simply untrue that Ring gives anyone unfettered access to customer data or video, as we have repeatedly made clear to our customers and others,” a Ring spokesperson said in an email to Top Class Actions. “The law authorizes companies like Ring to provide information to government entities if the company believes that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to any person, such as a kidnapping or an attempted murder, requires disclosure without delay. Ring faithfully applies that legal standard.”

Amazon says its Neighborhood Public Safety Service works with more than 2,100 law enforcement agencies and 455 fire departments around the country. 

Amazon Ring doorbell cameras were at the center of a class action lawsuit filed last year over claims the product has a battery life that is shorter than what was expected at purchase. 

A separate class action lawsuit was also filed against Amazon earlier this year over allegations the Ring doorbell camera has a hidden monthly service fee which a user must pay for the device to work effectively. 

Do you own an Amazon Ring doorbell camera? What do you think of the data privacy concerns? Let us know in the comments!

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