Ring, a popular smart home security system, has been criticized for its privacy and security issues, as well as its potential to enable surveillance and racial profiling. Ring devices, such as doorbells, cameras, and alarms, are connected to the internet and allow users to monitor their homes remotely. However, these devices also pose serious risks to the users’ personal data, civil liberties, and community safety. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why you should not use Ring as security, and what alternatives you can consider instead.
One of the main concerns about Ring is that it collects and stores a large amount of sensitive data from its users, such as video footage, audio recordings, location information, device details, and network information. This data can be accessed by Ring employees, law enforcement agencies, hackers, or third-party companies, without the users’ consent or knowledge. For example, in 2019, it was revealed that Ring had granted its employees access to live and recorded videos from customers’ cameras, and that some of them had abused this privilege to spy on users. Moreover, Ring has been hacked several times, exposing users’ personal information and allowing hackers to access their cameras and speak to them. Furthermore, Ring has partnered with over 2,000 police departments in the US, allowing them to request access to users’ videos without a warrant or notification. Ring also shares users’ data with third-party companies, such as Facebook and Google, for advertising and analytics purposes.
These privacy and security issues not only violate users’ rights, but also expose them to potential harm, such as identity theft, blackmail, harassment, or burglary. Therefore, using Ring as security may actually make you less secure, rather than more.
Surveillance and Racial Profiling
Another reason why you should not use Ring as security is that it contributes to the proliferation of surveillance and racial profiling in your neighborhood. Ring encourages users to join its social network, called Neighbors, where they can share videos and alerts with other users and police. However, this network often fosters fear, paranoia, and distrust, as users tend to report and label any suspicious or unfamiliar person as a potential criminal, especially if they are people of color. This can lead to false accusations, harassment, discrimination, or violence against innocent people, as well as reinforce racial stereotypes and biases. Moreover, Ring’s partnership with police departments gives them access to a vast network of cameras that can be used to monitor and track people’s movements, activities, and associations, without any oversight or accountability. This can undermine people’s civil liberties, such as freedom of expression, association, and assembly, as well as their right to privacy and due process.
Therefore, using Ring as security may actually make your neighborhood less safe, rather than more, by creating a culture of surveillance and racial profiling that harms marginalized communities and erodes trust and social cohesion.
Alternatives to Ring
If you are looking for a smart home security system that does not compromise your privacy, security, or civil rights, there are some alternatives to Ring that you can consider. For example, you can choose a system that does not require an internet connection, such as SimpliSafe or Abode, which use cellular or radio signals to communicate with the devices and the monitoring center. You can also choose a system that does not store or share your data with anyone, such as Eufy or Arlo, which use local or encrypted storage and do not have any partnerships with police or third-party companies. You can also choose a system that gives you more control over your data, such as Nest or Wyze, which allow you to opt out of cloud storage, delete your data, or limit access to your devices.
However, no matter what system you choose, you should always be aware of the potential risks and benefits of using smart home security devices, and take steps to protect your privacy and security, such as changing your passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, updating your software, and reviewing your settings and permissions regularly.
Conclusion
Ring is a popular smart home security system that offers convenience and peace of mind to its users. However, it also has serious drawbacks, such as privacy and security issues, surveillance and racial profiling, and lack of transparency and accountability. Therefore, you should not use Ring as security, and instead look for alternatives that respect your rights and values. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of smart home security, without sacrificing your personal data, civil liberties, or community safety.
