I came across this article from Consumer Reports. It says that law enforcement departments that use the Axon evidence management system may request Ring users’ videos in the event of a crime. The idea is that, if a crime occurs, the relevant police department can use Ring’s Neighbors app to request videos from the area in which the crime occurred. The user can, if he/she wishes, send the video, which includes contact info. The police cannot access Ring videos without the users’ permission (Amazon compliance with subpoenas and warrants, I assume are accepted). No user is required to submit any video.
Some privacy rights advocates are upset by this, but I’m just not seeing the downside here. No one is looking through my Ring cameras without permission nor are they accessing the recordings without permission. It’s simply the police asking for help investigating a crime. Where is the downside?
[ETA: Yes, I have Ring products in my home, including cameras outside.)
That “without permission” part usually ends up being not all that true. For example, that it’s available at all means they can just subpoena it. Some people just get mad about anything the police want to do.
I think the complaints are based on how many incurious people don’t realize that they’re setting themselves up with their own self-paid surveillance cam. And even if they’re aware of it, said neighbors haven’t given their consent to be on camera all the time.
It is a privacy concern. Plus, given the current trends in LEO non-compliance, or operating under Presidential edict, the fact that Amazon can turn over data upon demand without notifying the owner… well… let’s just say that despite my occasional issues with porch pirates, I haven’t installed a Ring yet.
Though I do have Echos in the house, and was willing to take the risks for me, myself, I and the wife. I think it’s neither too much, or too little concern, especially if you calling is to be a privacy rights advocate. Personally, I think that genie is out of the bottle and not going back, but it’s not wrong to be concerned IMHO.
The cops decide to ask a compliant judge for a warrant for every video from every cam indoors and out in a neighborhood then they get to work looking for anything interesting. Smoked a joint at home? Off to El Salvador for you. Walked in front of a window without drapes or pants. You’re up on sex charges.
etc.
In Putin’s Russia, anyone can be arrested at any time for anything or nothing. And evidence invented to convict them. We are now headed directly that way. I don’t intend to volunteer now to install a Big Brother system in or around my home. It can only be used against me.