Ring Puts an End to Police Access to Doorbell Cam Footage

Ring has gotten a lot of heat over the years for its police partnerships, but it seems the company is finally responding to concerns. On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Ring announced significant changes to its Neighbors app, including moves that will impact its partnership with public safety agencies.

In the release, Eric Kuhn, Head of Neighbors, highlighted the app's achievements and shared the company's vision for the future. However, the most notable change is the discontinuation of the Request for Assistance (RFA) tool, a feature that allowed law enforcement agencies to request and receive video footage from Ring users. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the company's efforts to balance safety and privacy while serving its community.

The most significant change announced in the release is the discontinuation of the Request for Assistance (RFA) tool. Previously, public safety agencies, including fire and police departments, could use the RFA tool to request and receive video footage from Ring users. With this tool being sunsetted, public safety agencies will no longer have access to request videos through the Neighbors app. However, they can still use the app to share safety tips, updates, and community events.

Public safety posts will remain public and accessible to users through the Neighbors app feed and the agency's profile. If law enforcement wants access to user footage in the course of an investigation, it will need to be requested individually or via a subpoena.

Launched in 2017, the Neighbors app was designed to foster connections and enhance safety within communities. Over the years, users have utilized the app to reunite lost pets with their owners, locate missing family members, and share critical information during emergencies and disasters. Ring noted that during Hurricane Ian, thousands of residents relied on the app to provide assistance, share shelter locations, and make donations. It has become a platform where neighbors can support one another, both in good times and bad.

In response to customer feedback, Ring is introducing "Ring Moments," a new post category that expands the content allowed on the Neighbors app beyond crime and safety. This feature aims to make it easier for users to share various types of content, such as heartwarming or amusing moments captured by Ring cameras. It recognizes that Ring videos have the power to bring communities together, and in 2023, customers shared Ring moments over a million times.

To enhance user experience, Ring is also set to launch "Best of Ring," an in-app tile featuring a curated selection of their favorite Ring videos from across the country. This feature will enable users to discover new and engaging content within the app.

These changes to the Ring Neighbors app mark a significant shift in the company's approach to partnerships with public safety agencies. While the RFA tool is being discontinued, the company is changing its focus to tools that empower communities and provide users with new ways to connect, share, and enjoy content—without the worry that Big Brother is watching.

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