Technology
A privacy win: Amazon limits police access to your Ring camera
In a bold move championing individual privacy, Amazon Ring has announced a significant policy shift. Starting February 2024, Ring will no longer facilitate police requests for home security footage through its Neighbors app. This decision marks a pivotal change in the balance between security and privacy.
Ring, a household name in home security, has faced criticism for its past practices of sharing security videos with police without user consent. The company’s latest software update, detailed in a recent blog post by Eric Kuhn, head of the Neighbors platform, highlights the removal of the “Request for Assistance” tool. This tool previously allowed law enforcement to request user footage directly via the app.
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Neighbors by Ring app (Ring) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
While police and fire departments can still use the Neighbors app to share safety tips and updates, the direct request and receipt of video content is now off the table. According to Ring, this change aligns more closely with their vision of empowering customers and fostering community connections.
View from Ring doorbell camera (Ring) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Police can get access in these extreme cases
Despite this shift, law enforcement isn’t completely cut off from accessing Ring footage. In extreme cases like life-threatening emergencies — think kidnappings or attempted murder — police can still directly request footage from companies like Ring. These instances, however, are rare and subject to Ring’s own discretion. In fact, Ring has responded to such emergency requests only a handful of times in recent months.
Additionally, the traditional legal pathways remain open. Law enforcement can still obtain a warrant or subpoena to access video footage, subject to judicial oversight and specific time constraints.
Ring doorbell camera (Ring) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What you need to do to limit police use of your Ring camera
For Ring users, this update requires little action. It’s advisable to keep your devices and apps updated to receive the latest firmware changes. Ring is not just taking away; they’re also adding new features like “Ring Moments” for sharing light-hearted videos and a “Best of Ring” video collection, enhancing the community aspect of the platform.
The takeaway here is clear: privacy matters. While security is paramount, it shouldn’t come at the cost of individual privacy. Ring’s decision reflects a growing awareness and respect for this balance after years of our reporting about this somewhat unknown secret.
Mom and daughter at the front door with Ring doorbell camera (Ring) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Did you know that other Amazon devices, including Echo and Ring products, allow neighbors to connect to your network without your permission unless you opt out? It’s presumptuous on Amazon’s part to make this an automatic feature and I recommend you turn it off if you want better security. Here’s how.
How to Opt-Out of Sidewalk on your Ring Video Doorbell or Ring devices
Sidewalk is a feature from Amazon that allows your Ring devices to share a small portion of your internet bandwidth with your neighbors. If you are not comfortable with this, you can opt out of Sidewalk by following these simple steps.
- Launch Ring app
- Tap the 3-line menu in the top left
- Go to “Control Center” (towards the bottom of the navigation)
- Click “Amazon Sidewalk”
- Slide the Sidewalk slider button to the left so it reads “Turned off”
MORE: HOW TO DETECT A HACKER SPYING ON YOUR DOORBELL CAMERA
Non-cloud-connected cameras offer more privacy
For those concerned about privacy, consider devices offering local storage options. Unlike cloud-stored footage, local storage gives you more control, making it harder for companies to share your videos without consent — though they’re still subject to legal demands.
Security camera with local storage option (Blink) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: IS YOUR DOORBELL CAMERA VULNERABLE TO JAMMING OR INTERFERENCE?
Kurt’s key takeaways
Ring’s policy update is a significant step toward protecting individual privacy. It’s a move that encourages users to stay informed and consider their options in the evolving landscape of home security and privacy rights. Now is a great time to take a fresh look at your video doorbell privacy settings to make sure it feels right. Check the names of those who have access, ensuring cameras are only being shared with those you know and trust.
How do you feel about Ring’s decision to stop facilitating police requests for home security footage? Do you agree or disagree with it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
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Technology
Tenways’ compact e-bike twists and folds to go flat
Tenways just launched its new CGO Compact electric bike in Europe that’s designed to fit into tight spaces like car trunks, apartment hallways, and train compartments.
To achieve this, the CGO Compact is fitted with small 20-inch wheels, folding pedals, and a handlebar fitted with a twistable stem to create a slim, wall-hugging profile. The adjustable steering column and low-step through frame also make it suitable for a wide range of rider heights, so it could be a good shareable e-bike for families. And its MIK HD rear carrier system is good for hauling up to 27kg (almost 60 pounds) around town, with mounting points for additional accessories like a crate or child seat.
Tenways might not be a household name globally, but the Chinese e-bike company headquartered in the Netherlands is making a name for itself in Europe thanks to aggressive pricing, sleek designs, and over 1,500 shops and service centers. And while the CGO Compact’s €1,999 (about $2,365) price tag isn’t cheap, it’s well below the €2,681 average for European e-bikes.
The company does sell e-bikes in the US, but the CGO Compact is only for sale in Europe as of today. It features a 250W rear-hub motor connected to a Gates Carbon belt drive for maintenance-free propulsion. It promises a range of up to 100km from its 500Wh removable battery, but its single-speed drivetrain produces only 45Nm of torque so it’s best suited for relatively flat cities. If your commute does stray from asphalt then the suspension seat post should help absorb bumps. There’s also an integrated torque sensor to ensure the smooth delivery of pedal-assisted power, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes should keep any sudden stops under control.
The CGO Compact lives up to its name regarding size, but it’s not all that lightweight. Stripped down it weighs 19.8kg (almost 44 pounds), or 22.1kg (almost 49 pounds) with all the accessories you’ll want in wet urban environments. That makes it heavier than many full-sized e-bikes, even from Tenways, and less versatile than the excellent 20-inch Brompton G foldable which also weighs less but costs more than twice as much.
Technology
Fox News AI Newsletter: Trump activates ‘tech force’
President Donald Trump’s administration is tasking an AI “tech force” to modernize systems. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– Inside Trump administration’s AI tech force designed to modernize government
– Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ in scathing social media post
– AI power players pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up
‘TECH FORCE’: Inside Trump administration’s AI initiative designed to modernize government – FOX Business reports on the Trump administration’s latest initiative to overhaul federal efficiency, detailing an internal AI “tech force” tasked with modernizing antiquated government systems and streamlining operations.
TECH ALLIANCE: War Department to partner with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT, GenAI for military use – The Department of Defense is reportedly strengthening its technological arsenal through a strategic partnership with OpenAI, aiming to integrate ChatGPT and generative AI capabilities into military operations to maintain a strategic edge.
SCATHING POST: Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ – Tech billionaire Elon Musk took to social media to unleash a scathing attack on rival AI firm Anthropic, characterizing their models as “misanthropic” and “evil” in a post that highlights the intensifying ideological rift within Silicon Valley.
Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., during the US-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
POWER PLAYERS: AI execs pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up – With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, deep-pocketed investors and executives from the artificial intelligence sector are pouring cash into competitive primaries, hoping to shape the regulatory landscape for the booming technology.
OPINION: AI raises the stakes for national security — here is how to get it right – In this opinion piece, OpenAI’s Chris Lehane argues that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has dramatically raised the stakes for American national security, outlining a strategic framework to ensure the U.S. maintains its dominance without compromising safety.
OPINION: The 2028 election will be a referendum on our future in an AI-dominated world – As technology accelerates, this op-ed contends that the 2028 presidential election will serve as a critical referendum on humanity’s future, forcing voters to decide how the nation should navigate an increasingly AI-dominated world.
Children forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents. (StockPlanets/Getty Images)
BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE: AI wars begin in new Super Bowl commercials – The battle for artificial intelligence dominance has moved to the advertising stage, as tech giants unleash a wave of new Super Bowl commercials designed to capture the public imagination and assert their position in the “AI wars.”
BOT TO THE FUTURE: Humanoid robots are getting smaller, safer and closer to home – Recent advancements in robotics are making humanoid machines smaller, safer, and more viable for domestic use, suggesting that a future where robots assist with daily household tasks is getting closer to reality.
MOYA’S DEBUT: ‘Warm-skinned’ AI robot with camera eyes is seriously creepy – A new development in robotics featuring “warm skin” and camera eyes has sparked a mix of fascination and unease, with many observers describing the lifelike yet artificial creation as “seriously creepy.”
Moya’s humanlike appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to subtle facial details designed to feel familiar rather than mechanical. (DroidUp)
DIGITAL DANGER: AI companions are reshaping teen emotional bonds – A growing trend of teenagers forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents and psychologists about the long-term impact of synthetic relationships on social development and mental health.
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Technology
A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now
To close out its February 2026 State of Play presentation, Sony revealed God of War Sons of Sparta, a new prequel 2D side scroller in the God of War franchise, and announced that it’s out right now on PlayStation 5.
”God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D action platformer with a canon story set in Kratos’ youth during his harsh training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos,” Sony says. Over the course of the game, Kratos will “learn deadly skills using his spear and shield, as well as harness powerful divine artifacts known as the Gifts of Olympus to take on a wide array of foes.”
Sony’s Santa Monica Studio collaborated on the game with Mega Cat Studios. It costs $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe version available for $39.99.
Sony also announced that it’s working on a remake of the original God of War trilogy, with TC Carson set to return as the voice of Kratos. However, the project is “still very early in development, so we ask for your patience as it will be a while before anything else can be shared,” according to Sony. “When we can come back with an update, we aim to make it a big one!”
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