Ring Discontinues Police Access to Video Footage via Neighbors App

Law Enforcement Now Requires Formal Request or Warrant for Access, Amid Criticism Over Potential for Racial Profiling and Surveillance

Ring, the Amazon-owned home security company, has discontinued its Request for Assistance (RFA) tool, which allowed law enforcement to request and receive video footage from Ring users via the Neighbors app.
The decision comes after criticism of the tool's potential for enabling racial profiling and constant surveillance.
Law enforcement agencies will now need a formal request or warrant to access video footage from Ring devices.
Despite the change, Ring continues to reserve the right to share footage with authorities in limited circumstances where it deems it necessary.
Many local police departments have stated that the change will not significantly impact their investigations, as they can still obtain footage through other means such as subpoenas, search warrants, or court orders.