It seems like it shouldn't be possible for Ring camera footage to be given to police without a warrant.
Amazon has admitted to giving Ring camera footage to police without a warrant many times in the past.
This isn't the first time we've seen Amazon give customer data to law enforcement, and I'm concerned it won't be the last. The reason this can happen should not be allowed under any circumstance.
Amazon was asked to clarify its relationship with police departments in the US. Brian Huseman, Amazon's vice president of public policy, said that the company handed over camera footage to police without consent 11 times in the next five years. The policy reforms denying access to immigration enforcement agencies were rejected by Huseman.
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It seems like it should be in violation of Ring's policy. It is possible that it won't be.
Most companies that collect and monetize user data have a clear policy when it comes to providing data to law enforcement, usually stating that a warrant would be required and then complied with It's not clear in the case of Ring.
If we are required to do so by law or legal process, we may disclose personal information about you, as well as establishing, exercising or defending our legal rights.
Amazon decides what is harmful but doesn't say how it decides.
The first case needs to be done. Unless you're an executive level government official, you must comply when a judge says you must. Amazon has the right to make evidence to protect itself. If you allow it, Amazon can do it. Number four and five footnotes are problematic.
In connection with an investigation or actual illegal activity, Amazon could mean sharing without consent or a warrant. Only Amazon has the power to decide if the footage complies with the requirement.
Well, guess what? It's more than one company doing it. The following is what Nest said.
If we have a good faith belief that access, use, preservation or disclosure of the information is necessary, we will share it with third parties.
Nest's privacy policy is almost as bad.
This should state with a warrant and with your permission. No more.
The cops like the idea. In an internal memo, Amazon praises Sgt. John Massi of the Philadelphia Police Department for his praise of Ring's relationship with law enforcement.
Police departments aren't part of the agreement between Amazon and Ring users.
The whole thing is awful. The whole thing stinks. It's not allowed.
Sometimes violating a person's right to privacy can be a good thing. I don't think anyone would be sad to learn that they helped solve a crime. It is never justified to violate someone's rights no matter how good the outcome is.
I'm not talking about a person's rights to commit a crime. The owner of the Ring equipment who had video footage shared without his consent has rights that need to be upheld.
I agree with you that sharing footage of me stealing a package from your porch with police is a good idea. I share camera footage with police on a voluntary basis. I said it was okay and gave it to them, but I didn't just accept that Amazon was going to do it.
The suspect is not the one providing this footage. It's you and me.
People are going to be tripped up by this kind of news. Amazon doesn't say it gives camera footage that criminals have taken of themselves. It says that it has provided footage from cameras that have been witnesses to a crime. You will not be the suspect in front of your camera.
Police can use security camera footage from your driveway to help catch a crook. Other cameras, like the ones inside your living room or the one you use as a baby monitor, are also affected by the policy where Amazon can give data to law enforcement without consent or a warrant.
I'm not saying that Amazon has given the cops any footage of you and your significant other on the couch, or of your baby sleeping, but I think it has not. That is unacceptable.
The root of the problem is that Amazon has a privacy policy that is ambiguous. There is a chance that other companies will do the same.
A company with access to our private data should comply with all court orders. Apple, Microsoft, and other companies have fought subpoenas in court. All three companies give over data when necessary.
There is no wiggle room when it comes to a privacy policy.
I don't expect companies to change their practices. The reason I stopped using a Ring doorbell for someone with a wheelchair was because of the policy, and I switched to a system with local storage.
Be informed and vote with your wallet.
I don't want to change anyone's mind on a Saturday. Only you can decide how you feel about certain things. It's fine if you think Amazon and other companies are doing the right thing. I will do my small part to let everyone know.
I don't expect any privacy once I'm outside. I expect someone to stand up for my rights even if it's a policy expert for big tech. I use my wallet to vote. You should vote with yours even if you disagree with the practices.
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