Amazon’s Ring cancels partnership with Flock, a network of AI cameras used by ICE, feds, and police

Amazon-owned Ring has canceled its planned partnership with Flock Safety, a company that operates a network of AI-powered surveillance cameras used by law enforcement agencies including ICE, the Secret Service, and the Navy. The partnership, announced in October, would have allowed Ring doorbell users to share footage with Flock’s network to aid in evidence collection and investigations. Ring stated the cancellation was a joint decision due to the integration requiring more time and resources than expected. This development follows public concern sparked by a Ring ad showcasing its AI-powered Search Party feature, which uses neighborhood cameras to locate lost dogs but raised fears about potential misuse of such surveillance technology against people. Flock’s technology enables law enforcement to conduct natural language searches of video footage to identify individuals matching specific descriptions, a practice criticized for exacerbating racial biases. Ring itself has introduced features like “Familiar Faces,” which uses facial recognition to notify users when known individuals approach their door. Despite the canceled partnership, Ring continues to offer users the option to share footage