Key Findings

Law Enforcement Data Sharing Severe

Ring has partnerships with over 2,000 police departments. While they ended warrantless access, law enforcement can still request footage through the Neighbors app or legal process.

"We may share information with law enforcement when we believe in good faith that it's necessary to comply with legal process or protect the safety of any person."
Video Footage Stored on Amazon Cloud Severe

All video is stored on Amazon's servers. Without end-to-end encryption enabled, Ring (and potentially Amazon) can access your footage.

"Your video recordings are uploaded to and stored on Ring's cloud servers. End-to-end encryption is available but must be manually enabled."
Neighbors App Surveillance Network Severe

The Neighbors app creates a community surveillance network where users share footage. This data is accessible to Ring and can be used for various purposes.

"Content you share on Neighbors may be viewed by other users, Ring, and our partners. We may use this content to improve our services."
Amazon Ecosystem Integration Moderate

Ring is owned by Amazon and integrates with Alexa. Your home security data can be combined with your broader Amazon consumer profile.

"Ring is a subsidiary of Amazon.com. We may share information within our corporate family to provide and improve services."
License to Use Your Content Moderate

Ring takes a broad license to use footage shared through its services for product development, marketing, and other purposes.

"You grant Ring a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, copy, modify, and display content you share through our services."
Subscription Required for Full Features Mild

Without Ring Protect subscription, video storage is extremely limited. The device is essentially crippled without ongoing payment.

"A Ring Protect subscription is required to save, share, and review video recordings."

What This Means For You

Using Ring means participating in a surveillance ecosystem with significant privacy implications:

  • Your home's exterior footage may be accessible to law enforcement
  • Enable end-to-end encryption immediately - it's off by default
  • The Neighbors app shares data broadly - consider not using it
  • Amazon can correlate your security data with shopping habits

Review your privacy settings carefully and consider whether the convenience is worth the privacy trade-offs.

⚠ Law Enforcement Notice

Ring has faced multiple controversies regarding police partnerships and data sharing. While they've made improvements, users should understand that their doorbell and security camera footage can be subject to legal requests and may be shared through the Neighbors platform. Enable end-to-end encryption and review your settings.