Amazon is adding the end-to-end encryptions service to all the videos recorded by The Ring doorbell. This update will happen worldwide, following a successful trial in the US.
It means that only a video-enabled smartphone will be able to view the files. No other party can hack into the system.
End-to-end encryption is a popular security feature for privacy-focused messaging services like WhatsApp.
Will This Create Issues For Law Enforcement?
However, some governments, including the UK, say that it makes the law more difficult.
Amazon’s Ring says in the UK, the UK police only have access to the information Ring owners choose to share.
It also adds that globally, “applicable laws” could limit the availability of end-user encryption.
What Is End-To-End Encryption?
Ring video images are stored on Amazon servers but with the end-to-end encryption service coming in, it means that the tech giant itself will also not be able to view, or move the files.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation asked Ring to consider making these encryption changes last year.
Some other new security features include the option of authentication apps – an additional security check-in step, and the use of Captcha images will also be added.
Amazon’s 2018 Acquisition Of Ring
Amazon bought the company Ring for $ 1bn reported in 2018.
The company said it aims to make “places safer with greater privacy, security and user control”.
However, in Seattle, Amazon is facing legal action over its decision to open a range of its products, including Ring doorbell, to connect to each other using the homeowner’s broadband without permission – a program known as Sidewalk.
