SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Ring doorbell says it is cutting a feature that drew criticism surrounding access for fire and police agencies.
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The company announced this week that a feature called “Request for Assistance”, which allowed authorities to request and receive video through the app, was being removed.
In the release, there was no reason listed as to why the change was made.
In 2022, the Associated Press reported that in the United States, there were 11 instances in which police accessed video from camera doorbells without homeowner knowledge.
Sydney Steele, a Willard resident, said the company, nor police should have unfettered access to private citizen cameras.
“I don’t think there should be any reason why they should have access to that. I feel like if it’s on your property, it’s your personal property, and you have the right to disperse that if you’re willing,” Steele said.
Steele said the doorbell camera gives her a sense of security.