Ring and Big Brother

Doors across the United States are now fitted with Amazon’s Ring, a combination doorbell and security camera that records and transmits video straight to users’ phones, to Amazon’s cloud.

By sending photos and alerts every time the camera detects motion or someone rings the doorbell, the app gives you the illusion your home under siege.

Is Big Brother Watching you?

Beyond the comfort knowing your front door is under your watchful eye, Ring has broad gaping privacy concern — including that footage of you and your family could potentially be used, shared and even sold by law enforcement. Police now have access to Ring Doorbell Videos, your home address and other private information. Recent reports show that Ring has partnered with police departments across the country to hawk this new surveillance system without your knowledge.

Is Amazon doing enough to ensure that its products and practices do not run afoul of our civil liberties?

“Ring has no security requirements for law enforcement officials to gain access to users’ footage, and no restrictions on them sharing it with third parties”, according to the findings of the investigation released by Ed Markey’s, a Massachusetts Senator. Ring also “refuses to commit to not selling users’ biometric data,” according to the findings by Ed Markey.

There Are Other Options

There are other more private options available on the market today: Honeywell and Alarm.com.

Honeywell’s Skybell is a private and less intrusive option that has integration with its Total Connect and is a part of your home security and Smarthome system.

Alarm.com also has the same Skybell doorbell that is also more secure and does not share your information with third parties.

Both of these systems are installed by Professional Security Companies like Keystone Security Systems that takes your personal safety and privacy seriously.