Amazon Ring’s Audio Recordings Could Violate Neighbor Privacy, UK Court Rules
Image via Amazon
Following a spat between neighbors, in which one accused the other of ‘harassment’ due to the number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed, a UK judge has ruled that Amazon’s Ring doorbells aren’t compliant with the country’s existing Data Protection Act (DPA).
Dr Mary Fairhurst had alleged her neighbor, Jon Woodard, and his numerous cameras, which includes an Amazon Ring, were a nuisance, harassment, and breach of the DPA.
She had taken him to court after he allegedly made a false report that an “armed criminal gang” had tried to steal his car, using it as an excuse to put up yet another camera, which surveilled the neighborhood’s communal car park and access road.
According to The Register, while this ruling doesn’t set a binding legal precedent in the nation, it’s likely others will cite this case in future lawsuits.
Her Honor Judge Melissa Clarke sided with Fairhurst, determining that while Woodard had the right to film the area outside his home, he didn’t have the right to record audio files of his neighbors. The camera was said to be able to pick up on noise over 40 feet away from his doorstep.
“I am satisfied that the extent of range to which these devices can capture audio is well beyond the range of video that they capture, and in my view cannot be said to be reasonable for the purpose of which the devices are used by the Defendant,” said the judge.
“Since the legitimate aim for which they are said to be used, namely crime prevention, could surely be achieved by something less. A great deal of the purpose could be achieved without audio at all.”
In response to the verdict, Ring spokesperson, Claudia Fellerman, told The Register the company advised customers to respect the privacy of their neighbors, and to comply with the laws of their nation while using the device.
“We’ve put features in place across all our devices to ensure privacy, security, and user control remain front and center — including customizable Privacy Zones to block out ‘off-limit’ areas, Motion Zones to control the areas customers want their Ring device to detect motion, and Audio Toggle to turn audio on and off,” she explained.
For more information on Amazon’s Ring doorbell and how it works, head here.
[via The Register, cover image via Amazon]
Also check out these recent news
