All articles tagged with #neighbors app
Ring is expanding its Search Party pet finder to non‑Ring owners through the Ring Neighbors app in the US, enabling neighbors to alert owners if a connected Ring camera detects a missing pet. The company is also committing $1 million to equip animal shelters nationwide with camera systems, building on a feature launched last September amid privacy concerns and a Super Bowl ad push.
Amazon Ring is discontinuing its Request for Assistance (RFA) tool, which allowed law enforcement to request video footage from users without a warrant. This move has been welcomed by privacy groups, but concerns remain about police requesting footage without a warrant. While seen as a victory by some, advocates are calling for broader legislative action to address the privacy implications of private surveillance partnerships like those undertaken by Ring.
Amazon-owned Ring will no longer allow police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users through its Neighbors app, ending a feature that has faced criticism from privacy advocates. The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective immediately. Law enforcement agencies can still access videos using a search warrant, and Ring maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances. This decision comes after concerns about the company's relationship with police departments and its handling of user data, including a recent settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations of inadequate security practices.
Amazon-owned Ring will no longer allow police to request doorbell camera footage from users through its Neighbors app, marking an end to a feature criticized by privacy advocates. The "Request for Assistance" tool will be sunsetted, but law enforcement can still make public posts and share safety tips on the app. Ring's move follows concerns about its relationship with police and the potential for neighborhood surveillance and racial profiling. While police can still access videos with a search warrant, Ring has made changes to increase transparency and limit casual and warrantless requests for footage.
Amazon's Ring has announced the end of its controversial tool, Request for Assistance (RFA), which allowed police and fire departments to request doorbell video through Ring’s Neighbors app. This move comes after years of criticism and public outcry, with the Electronic Frontier Foundation praising the decision as a step in the right direction for privacy. The tool had been a major concern for privacy advocates, and public officials had also raised concerns about the practice, including the potential use of facial recognition technology and biases in its application. This change in policy is likely to be seen as a win for privacy advocates.
Ring, owned by Amazon, is discontinuing its Request for Assistance tool, requiring police to obtain a warrant for most video requests, but still allowing them to request footage in emergencies without a warrant. This move comes after years of criticism regarding its relationship with law enforcement. The company is also introducing new features to its Neighbors app, including a "Ring Moments" post category and a "Best of Ring" feed, raising concerns about privacy and transparency.
Amazon's Ring will no longer allow police to request users' doorbell video footage through its "Request for Assistance" tool in the Neighbors app, but public safety agencies can still share safety tips and updates. Police can still obtain Ring video footage using a search warrant or subpoena, and the company may provide footage directly to law enforcement in cases involving imminent danger. The move comes amid controversy over Ring's partnerships with police departments and concerns about privacy and racial profiling. Ring is introducing updates to the Neighbors app, including new post categories and a "Best of Ring" tool.
The article discusses why the author does not recommend Ring cameras due to their relationship with law enforcement and potential privacy concerns. When setting up a Ring camera, users are automatically enrolled in the Neighbors service, which allows them to send videos captured by their cameras to law enforcement. This feature increases the possibility of racial profiling and targeting certain groups based on skin color, ethnicity, religion, or country of origin. The article argues that law enforcement should obtain a warrant to access civilian video footage. While Ring has made some changes to address concerns, the author believes that this feature should not exist.