Amazon-owned Ring has announced that it will no longer allow police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users through its Neighbors app. The decision comes after the feature faced criticism from privacy advocates. In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring stated that it will sunset the "Request for Assistance" tool, which enabled law enforcement agencies to request and receive video footage captured by Ring's doorbell cameras. The change will be effective starting this week, although the company did not provide a specific reason for the decision.

Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, clarified that public safety agencies such as fire and police departments can still use the Neighbors app to share safety tips, updates, and community events. However, they will no longer have access to the "Request for Assistance" tool to request and receive video footage. This move is the latest in a series of restrictions that Ring has implemented regarding police activity on the Neighbors app. The company has faced concerns and criticism from privacy watchdogs regarding its partnerships with police departments across the United States.

Privacy advocates have expressed worries that Ring's program and the accompanying Neighbors app could lead to racial profiling and turn residents into informants, with insufficient guidelines on how law enforcement can utilize the material. Ring has been under scrutiny for its controversial relationships with hundreds of police departments. The company's former CEO, Jamie Siminoff, defended the features as a public safety tool aimed at helping communities.

Ring's decision to make police requests for user footage public in its Neighbors app in 2021 was an attempt to increase transparency. Previously, law enforcement agencies could privately message users to request video clips from their doorbell cameras. However, police can still obtain Ring video footage by obtaining a search warrant or subpoena. Additionally, Ring may provide footage directly to law enforcement in cases involving imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to any person.

Ring, which was acquired by Amazon in 2015 for a reported $1 billion, is primarily known for its connected doorbell devices that allow users to record activity in front of their homes. The company has expanded its product portfolio to include camera-equipped floodlights and even flying security camera drones. However, Ring's partnerships with police departments have sparked controversy and raised concerns about privacy.

To address some of these concerns, Ring is introducing updates to the Neighbors app. This includes the introduction of "Ring Moments," a new post category that expands the content allowed on the app beyond crime and safety. The company will also launch a "Best of Ring" tool that features a rotating selection of top videos. The changes aim to diversify the content on the app and provide users with a broader range of experiences.

Ring's decision to discontinue the "Request for Assistance" tool is seen as a step towards addressing privacy concerns and reducing the potential for abuse of user data. However, privacy advocates remain skeptical about the ability of both law enforcement agencies and Ring to determine what constitutes an emergency situation. Ring has previously faced criticism for its security practices, with the Federal Trade Commission alleging that the company allowed employees and contractors to access user videos. Ring settled with the FTC for $5.8 million, although the company disputes the claims made against it.