While this could be seen as a new safety measure so police can have their eyes on resident safety even without being in the location, many are angry with the development and see it as a huge invasion of privacy.
The goal of the Ring Doorbell is to promote safety in the home, and even when away. Commercials for the doorbell show people, even out of their home, scaring away burglars through the speaker, activated by their smartphone.
Users of the smart doorbell have even posted their video footage to report problems with deliveries, stolen packages and more.
Though police involvement could add an extra layer of security, especially when it comes to home intruders or package thieves, some social media users seem to see the connection, which the Washington Post claimed was enacted secretly, as inappropriate for a family-controlled, home system.
In order to obtain access to any video footage, police will reportedly need to get permission from the device owner, similarly to how law enforcement must gain permission to enter a home or view surveillance footage without a warrant.
Some people are dubious and say police are using it as a method of control. Others commented on Ring Doorbell’s connection to a smartphone and wondered if police will also have access to a citizen’s personal phone.
Others are fine with the idea of police viewing, and see their safety as more important than privacy.
