Amazon's Ring to Stop Police Requests for User Footage Through Neighbors App

Move Follows Criticism Over Privacy Concerns; Law Enforcement Agencies Will Now Require Warrant for Access

Amazon-owned Ring will no longer allow police to request doorbell camera footage from users through its Neighbors app, marking the end of a controversial feature that has been criticized by privacy advocates.
Ring's 'Request for Assistance' tool, which allowed law enforcement to request and receive video footage from users, will be discontinued, but public safety agencies can still use the Neighbors app to share safety tips, updates, and community events.
Law enforcement agencies will still be able to access videos with a search warrant, and Ring maintains the right to share footage without users’ permission in limited circumstances.
Ring's decision follows criticism and concerns from privacy advocates over the feature and the company’s partnerships with hundreds of police departments across the country.
Ring has faced scrutiny over its privacy practices, including a $5.8 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that the company let employees and contractors access user videos.