Ring, the home surveillance firm owned by Amazon, is teaming up with taser manufacturer Axon to allow law enforcement to once again request footage from users’ doorbell cameras. This development reverses Ring’s 2024 decision to abolish its “Request for Assistance” feature, which permitted the police to request videos from users via the Neighbors app. At that time, Ring framed the alteration as a move toward a more community-centric identity, less reliant on law enforcement partnerships. This strategy now appears to be paused.
The change aligns with the return of Ring founder Jamie Siminoff, who rejoined Amazon in April. Under his guidance, Ring is concentrating on AI and revitalizing its association with law enforcement. As reported by Business Insider, the newly formed partnership with Axon will allow police to request video from Ring users using Axon’s evidence management platform. Reports indicate that Ring is also contemplating offering users the option to authorize live streaming of their doorbell footage directly to law enforcement.
In a public announcement, Siminoff characterized the Axon partnership as a means to “foster a vital connection between our neighbors and public safety agencies,” promoting it as a resource for safer communities.
The Axon agreement is a facet of Siminoff’s overall return strategy. He now manages not just Ring but also Amazon’s Blink camera series, the Key in-home delivery system, and the Sidewalk wireless mesh network. Since his return, Siminoff has advocated for an aggressive AI initiative, including internal directives to “do more with less” by employing AI to enhance operational efficiency. According to Insider, even promotions are now contingent on demonstrating AI’s impact on productivity or customer experience.
Within the company, this shift has sparked apprehensions. Current Ring staff shared with Insider their uncertainties regarding the application of the gathered footage and voiced concerns about privacy and data matters that have historically plagued the brand.
In 2023, Amazon settled with the Federal Trade Commission for $5.8 million over allegations of spying on Ring and Alexa users, although the company denied any wrongdoing.