Amazon Ring police video request decision overview:
- Who: Amazon Ring is suspending its Request for Assistance (RFA) tool that allowed public safety agencies to request and receive doorbell camera footage through its Neighbors app.
- Why: Ring did not give a reason for the change, but the RFA tool previously received criticism from privacy advocates.
- Where: The decision will impact Amazon Ring users nationwide.
Amazon Ring announced it will no longer allow public safety agencies like police or fire departments to use its Request for Assistance (RFA) tool to request and receive video in the company’s Neighbors app.
In a blog post published Jan. 24, Ring says the agencies can use the app to post safety tips, updates and community events, but it is “sunsetting” the RFA tool that allowed them to request doorbell footage from users.
The decision comes in the wake of concerns lobbied by privacy watchdogs about the company’s relationship with local police departments, AP News reports.
Ring reportedly changed its policy in 2021 so any police requests would be publicly visible in its Neighbors app, a switch from law enforcement being allowed to request video footage through private emails to Ring users living near an active investigation.
Law enforcement agencies will reportedly still be able to access Ring footage using a search warrant, and the company maintains the right to share footage without obtaining consent under certain circumstances, according to AP News.
Ring admits it shared footage with police without warrant, user consent
Ring’s announcement also comes more than a year after it responded to a letter written by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to inquire how the company protects the data privacy of Ring doorbell camera users.
“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 writes in his letter.
The company disclosed at that time that it turned Ring doorbell camera footage over to the police 11 times without a warrant or user consent prior to July 2022.
Amazon agreed to pay $30 million last year to resolve a pair of privacy complaints filed by federal regulators after the Federal Trade Commission determined the company’s Alexa and Ring services violated the privacy rights of children
Do you agree with Amazon Ring’s decision to no longer allow the police to request Ring video footage? Let us know in the comments.
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5 thoughts onAmazon Ring will no longer allow police to request videos
This doesnt make sence to me. Please add me. Rachelle Rand
Add me
Currently watching The Michelle Traconis trial in Ct. This has to do with the Jennifer Dulos (Mother of 5 ) murder trial. I can’t tell you how valubke neighbors ring and other canera videos have been to the prosecution! This is outrageous
I have a ring camera at my entrance for the reason being I have had two cars broken into as well as items stolen from my front entry way. How do we protect ourselves and catch the thieves when we cannot give evidence to the police??? I am in on this one!
ad me