Ring adds end-to-end video encryption to its buzzers and security cameras at CES 2021

This story is part of CES, where our editors will present the latest news and the hottest gadgets from CES 2021 entirely virtual.

Smart home company Ring on Wednesday introduced end-to-end encryption for its video buzzers and home security cameras. Launched as a “technical preview”, Ring’s end-to-end video encryption will be implemented for existing customers starting today. The feature is available by option.

CNET temporarily stopped recommending Ring products in December 2019 due to privacy and security concerns, specifically is partnerships with law enforcement authorities in the USA and user data that was exposed in late 2019. Ring has updated its policies since then, including making privacy and security settings more accessible via a Control Center dashboard and introduction of mandatory two-factor authentication.

The most recent move by Amazon-owned company to improve video encryption is another promising step for users to retain control of their recorded video files. Still, it is not the first company to offer it. Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video platform it also supports end-to-end encryption.

An optional feature

Ring says he already encrypts videos when they are uploaded to the cloud and when they are stored on their servers. End-to-end encryption offers customers “an additional 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 this feature is used, even for law enforcement officers, a Ring representative said in an email.

Ring also confirmed that customers cannot send end-to-end encrypted videos through the neighbors’ public security service video request portal. This portal is used as part of Ring’s Neighbor program, which allows customers to share video footage with law enforcement agencies. Customers using Ring’s end-to-end encryption feature need to decrypt the video before sharing it with the police.

To find your current encryption settings and opt for end-to-end encryption, visit the Ring Application Control Center and check out the video encryption page. Soon, I will report on what it’s really like to sign up for Ring’s end-to-end encryption, so stay tuned for updates.