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Ring is starting to add end-to-end encryption support to its cameras. The feature will keep the encrypted video feeds from the camera to the device it is being streamed to, so it won’t be accessible to anyone in between. The feature, which was first announced in September, will begin rolling out today as a “tech preview” across eight Ring cameras, including doorbell, indoor and outdoor models.
“End-to-end encryption is really a matter of user choice, to create that advanced layer of security,” said Josh Roth, CTO of Ring. The edge. “Some people like a second or third deadbolt on their house.”
Images from Ring cameras are currently encrypted when transmitted to Ring’s servers and then again while on Ring’s servers. But Ring still needs to be able to access those footage in order to enable various features, such as sharing videos through its website or streaming clips to any device you’re signed in to. Ring says she doesn’t watch customer videos without permission, but the company has the technical ability to do so (and has been accused of doing so without permission in the past). If law enforcement received a search warrant for your footage, Ring would also be able to turn it over.
End-to-end encryption removes Ring’s visibility into your footage, providing better protection for users who are particularly concerned about their privacy. But this feature does have some drawbacks that add obstacles and limitations to the way the cameras can be used. Some devices, like the Echo Show, will not be able to display Ring video streams because they cannot (currently, at least) be configured to support end-to-end encrypted streams. Other features, like video sharing, get more complicated as you’ll have to manually upload and re-upload videos, rather than just changing the sharing settings on the Ring website.
The feature also adds some friction to the Ring’s Neighbors app, which allows Ring users to share videos with people nearby and local law enforcement to request access to the footage. With end-to-end encryption enabled, camera owners can still share videos with the Neighbors app – which has been criticized for containing racist comments and reports – but they will have to manually upload and upload the footage, adding a few steps before you can publish a recording.
At launch, end-to-end encryption will be available on Ring cameras that are plugged into AC power. These cameras are capable of handling computer vision features, like person detection, locally on the device, while battery-powered Ring cameras offload these features to the cloud – which cannot be done with encryption. end-to-end enabled. No subscription is required to use it, but it will initially only be available in the United States. End-to-end encrypted videos can be streamed to newer phones and tablets with the Ring app installed.
Over time, Ring plans to expand access to everyone and add a few extra missing features, such as snapshots. End-to-end encryption will not be enabled by default, but Roth said Ring will notify customers when it becomes available. It can also be turned on and off camera by camera.
“End-to-end is one of those features that some users will love,” said Roth, “and some will say they don’t need it.”
Correction Jan. 13 at 11:34 a.m.ET: The Tech Preview will be available on eight Ring cameras, not nine as Ring initially told us.
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