Ring Partners with Flock: AI Camera Network Controversy

Ring and Flock Partner to Expand Surveillance Network

Ring, the Amazon-owned manufacturer of surveillance cameras, revealed a collaborative agreement on Thursday with Flock, a company specializing in AI-driven surveillance technology.

This partnership facilitates the sharing of video footage with law enforcement agencies.

Expanding Law Enforcement Access

Agencies currently utilizing Flock’s systems can now request footage from Ring doorbell owners to aid in “evidence collection and investigative processes.”

The collaboration significantly broadens the scope of surveillance data available to authorities.

How Flock Technology Operates

Flock cameras function by identifying vehicles through license plate scanning and the recognition of other distinguishing characteristics.

Government and police clients of Flock are also able to conduct searches of video footage using natural language processing, enabling them to locate individuals matching specific descriptions.

However, it’s important to note that AI technologies employed by law enforcement have demonstrated a tendency to amplify existing racial biases.

Increased Reach Through Partnership

Coinciding with the announcement of the Ring partnership, a report by 404 Media detailed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Secret Service, and the Navy already had access to Flock’s camera network.

By integrating with Ring, Flock potentially gains access to footage from a substantially larger number of cameras – potentially millions more.

Ring’s History of Security Concerns

Ring has faced previous criticism regarding the security of customer video data.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandated that the company pay $5.8 million due to allegations that employees and contractors possessed unrestricted access to customer videos over an extended period.

This history raises concerns about the privacy implications of the new partnership with Flock.