Ring launched Video Descriptions, an AI-powered feature that sends users text notifications of relevant real-time events occurring at home. The new feature started to roll out in the U.S. and Canada. The technology raises security concerns over data privacy and security.
Users can expect notifications with simplified descriptions such as “Two people are peering into a white car in the driveway,” or “A person is walking up the steps with a black dog.” Once the technology understands the customer’s home behaviour, it will be able to provide more relevant notifications. “It will learn the routines of your residence, get smarter, and deliver peace of mind by only notifying you when it is something out of the ordinary,” wrote Siminoff. However, the methodology and the use of the generative-AI feature also raise security concerns. According to The Register, Ring has faced challenges and legal battles related to data privacy and security, including past incidents involving cybercriminals and rogue employees spying on customers. The Register asked Ring how data from the new feature will be stored, under what circumstances it might share private information with law enforcement, and how the data is secured. The company did not provide detailed answers. “We do not log the descriptions generated from Video Descriptions,” a Ring spokesperson said.
