Ring’s “Neighbors” app will no longer allow police to ask users for doorbell footage. The app was seen as an easy, accessible way for law enforcement to ask neighbors in a certain vicinity for surveillance that could help them solve a crime. Thursday, Jan. 25, Ring announced police and other public safety agencies can no longer request such surveillance.
Some critics argued the requests were a violation of users’ privacy before Ring adjusted its policies.
Ring has been evolving its policies over police accessibility.
Police were previously able to send private messages to users asking if they had footage that may have captured a crime or person of interest on their camera.
Ring even promoted partnerships with local police departments where police touted how helpful it was to have a direct line to its community.
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