Amazon Admits To Giving Ring Camera Footage To Authorities Without Permission

Amazon Ring has been a top choice as a doorbell and security system in plenty of homes. However, what was keeping people safe may have also been breaching their privacy, as Amazon has come forward to admit that they have been passing footage to authorities without clearance from users.   

Senator Ed Markey had begun the inquiry into the unfair use of the footage, to which Amazon later responded in a letter that it had, in fact, shared recorded videos with authorities 11 times during 2022 as a response to an “emergency request.”  

The letter continues to explain that the company had reason to believe it was aiding in preventing serious injury and death when asked for the footage. As such, the company had taken the liberty to pass it on without waiting to ask for permission.   

In the letter, Amazon also notes that it currently has 2,161 law enforcement agencies as part of its Neighbors Public Safety Service. This gives those in the law the right to request footage if they need it, despite there being an emergency.   

Ring has long been at the center of much concern from the public over how the recorded footage will be used. Though Ring states that it will not be careless when handing over video evidence, Amazon was firm in the letter that it will never stop recording footage and using voice recognition.

A further statement provided to us by a spokesperson from Ring said, “it’s simply untrue that Ring gives anyone unfettered access to customer data or video, as we have repeatedly made clear to our customers and others.” The statement continues, “the law authorizes companies like Ring to provide information to government entities if the company believes that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to any person, such as kidnapping or an attempted murder, requires disclosure without a delay. Ring faithfully applies that legal standard.”

Markey announced that he was against the rise of law enforcement relying on private security systems as it was a breach of privacy. He also claimed that he is afraid other companies might follow in Amazon’s footsteps.   

[via Mashable and Ars Technica, cover image via Amazon]