Earlier this week, Ring announced it's pulling the plug on a controversial tool on its Neighbors app that let police solicit doorbell camera footage directly from users. As a new homeowner looking to invest in one of the best video doorbells, I've been pleased to see Ring walk back its more Big Brother-y features, and this latest news could decide whether I fall on team Ring or Nest.
The Amazon-owned company is sunsetting the "Request for Assistance" tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by its line of doorbell cameras. Now if the cops want to see whatever juicy intel your Ring captured, they'll have to go through the proper channels and secure a warrant, just as they would for any other footage from a private citizen or company.
