Ring Adds End-to-End Video Encryption to Its Doorbells and Security Cameras at CES 2021

This story is part of THESE, where our editors will bring you the latest news and the hottest gadgets from fully virtual CES 2021.

Smart home company Ring introduced end-to-end encryption for its video doorbells and home security cameras on Wednesday. Launched as a “technical preview”, Ring’s end-to-end video encryption will be rolled out to existing customers starting today. The functionality is available on an opt-in basis.

CNET temporarily stopped recommending Ring products in December 2019 due to privacy and security concerns, in particular his partnerships with law enforcement agencies in the United States and user data exposed at the end of 2019. Ring has since updated its policies, including making privacy and security settings more accessible through a Control Center dashboard and introduction of mandatory two-factor authentication.

The latest move from the Amazon-owned company to improve video encryption is another promising step for users to retain control over their recorded video files. Yet this is not the first company to offer it. Apple HomeKit Secure Video Platform also supports end-to-end encryption.

An opt-in feature

Ring says it already encrypts videos when they are uploaded to the cloud and when they are stored on its servers. End-to-end encryption gives customers “an extra lock” that only a customer can unlock on the phone associated with their Ring account. This means that Ring and Amazon will not be able to decrypt and then view customer videos if the feature is used, even for law enforcement, a representative for Ring said via email.

Ring also confirmed that customers cannot submit end-to-end encrypted videos through the public safety service’s Neighbors video request portal. This portal is used as part of Ring’s Neighbor Program, which allows customers to share video footage with law enforcement. Customers using Ring’s end-to-end encryption should decrypt the video before sharing it with the police.

To find your current encryption settings and to enable end-to-end encryption, visit the Ring App Control Center and visit the Video Encryption page. I’ll be reporting back to you soon on what it means to sign up for Ring’s end-to-end encryption, so stay tuned for updates.