Breaking up Ring’s Flock doesn’t solve his real problem

The most striking thing about Ring’s statement is that he had Parted from Flock Safety That’s what the home security company didn’t say. There was no mention of Public backlash over ties to ICEor any promise to address users’ concerns about Company’s relationships with law enforcement authorities.

in Increasingly authoritarian The political climate, and the threat of mass surveillance that fuels it AI-powered cameras It is what many people fear. However, Ring’s statement made no attempt to address this. Instead, the company demands it Flock integration has been cancelled With her Community requests tool because it “would require significantly more time and resources than anticipated.”

It is clear to everyone that the Amazon-owned company has bowed to public pressure. sentiments across social media and news outlets after Ring’s broadcast Search for a Super Bowl party ad It skewed approximately 50 percent negative, according to Search by Peakmetrics. People are not happy with the company, and the move was an obvious attempt to regain some goodwill.

The pushback must have been particularly upsetting for founder and vice president Jimmy Siminoff, who has consistently maintained that Ring’s products are… Designed to help prevent and combat crime.

This is not a new approach for the company. While public opinion on law enforcement has changed dramatically since then Departure from the ring In 2023 and his return last year, Semenov still strongly believes that A combination of artificial intelligence, cameras and police It can make neighborhoods safer.

Although Ring has separated from Flock, its community requests tool has not changed. He is still very active, thanks to A Partnership with Exxona similar law enforcement technology company known for manufacturing stun guns.

Community requests were submitted by Siminoff When he returnsafter its predecessor was first canned in Ring Controversial police request tool. Authorized local law enforcement agencies are permitted to do so Request video footage Of residents near active investigation without a warrant. Then pass those shots Axon Evidence Management System. Responding to the request is optional, and Ring assures that your privacy is always protected and the footage is as well It was never sent automatically.

Ring is currently promoting how to use the tool in Investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy GuthrieThe company says it played an active role in… Track the suspect In the shooting at Brown University.

Removing Flock integration does not change community requests; It stops the expansion temporarily. If Ring had gone ahead with it, the program could have reached 5,000 local law enforcement agencies That works with the herd. Instead, it is now limited to those who work with Axon, which is… The integration that Ring says is continuous.

The ring maintains that No federal agenciesincluding ICE, use community requests to request screenshots from Ring users. but Critics say That in jurisdictions where local police operate Convention 287(g).ICE can access its resources, including video footage.

This is exactly what Fluke has been criticized for. As reported 404 media287(g) of agreements with local ICE agencies “Side Door Access” to the Flock Automated License Plate Reader System – A national network of artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras.

While the herd was running Trial programs With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes Immigration, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), claiming to have done just that There are no DHS contracts. Axon has a lot.

From stun guns to surveillance systems

Axon has turned to stun guns In a multi-billion dollar business It now manufactures body and vehicle cameras and software platforms used by law enforcement agencies. according to Public recordsAxon has more than 70 contracts with DHS for its equipment and softwarethe total More than $96 million Between 2003 and 2024.

Along with Axon Evidence, Axon also works spindle,cloud platform Purchased in 2024 It can collect real-time data from cameras, sensors, drones and community feeds, “Transforming disparate assets into a common intelligence network for faster, coordinated response.” Axon is actively marketing the program on its website As an instrument of CBP policy.

In 2023, Vossus was reportedly able to do so Integrate real-time data from special camerasalthough it requires additional hardware and fees. The platform’s capabilities look a lot like the underpinnings of a dystopian neighborhood watch system Ring’s Super Bowl ad has raised concerns about.

If Ring dumps Flock because of its ties to ICE, it would make sense to get rid of Axon as well. But this is not the company’s move.

Ring’s massive infrastructure is already in place, with millions of… AI-powered cameras On porches and homes across the country, its tool that links users’ footage with law enforcement relies on a company with direct ties to the Department of Homeland Security.

If Ring wants to regain users’ trust, it can’t vaguely point to canceling the partnership because of “resources.” It must openly acknowledge these concerns and clearly define how far it is willing to take this powerful technology and, more importantly, where it will draw the line.