Ring Says New Encryption Limits What It Can Give Police
Ring is implementing a new encryption method called TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), which the company states will limit Amazon's cloud access to customer video recordings. The feature rolls out to all Ring users starting in September.
Smart home device maker Ring is introducing a new encryption method called TAKE, short for Throw Away the Key Encryption. The Amazon-owned company says the new encryption will protect videos without relying on traditional end-to-end encryption.
The TAKE method restricts when and why Amazon's cloud service can access customer-recorded videos. Ring states that features such as smart alerts for people and packages, AI-powered video search, and video descriptions will remain available.
This new encryption feature will be gradually rolled out starting in September. It will become the default setting for all Ring customers, regardless of whether they have a subscription.
The introduction of TAKE encryption comes amid a period of intense scrutiny for Ring. The company has faced criticism regarding data privacy and the ease with which law enforcement agencies could request access to customer recordings.