Ring Announces TAKE Encryption and Will Make It the Default Next Month

Overview

• Ring published technical documentation on August 26 and said TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption) will roll out gradually and become the default setting for all customers starting in September.
• TAKE uses the IETF Messaging Layer Security base, five‑minute rotating content keys, and key material held in an AWS Nitro Enclave that Ring says deletes its copies within 24 hours.
• Under TAKE Ring says it will only be able to provide non‑video account data and encrypted video files in response to valid legal process, but the company can access footage during the short key window and can obtain keys again when a user requests older videos.
• Ring argues TAKE preserves cloud features such as Smart Alerts, Video Search, and Video Descriptions that on‑device end‑to‑end encryption would prevent, while E2EE will remain an opt‑in option on newer encrypt‑on‑device cameras.
• Privacy groups and experts will still watch for independent review and real‑world testing because Ring developed the 24‑hour deletion mechanism itself and competitors offer local‑storage designs that avoid cloud tradeoffs.