Ring is introducing a new default encryption system, called Throw Away the Key Encryption (TAKE), intended to reduce the company’s ongoing access to customers’ video footage while retaining selected smart-home functions. The change matters because Ring has faced sustained criticism over privacy and surveillance practices, including past police access arrangements and the use of AI-enabled features.

TAKE uses unique, rotating encryption keys, with a copy temporarily held in a secure cloud enclave only to enable users’ active smart-home controls before being deleted. Ring says customers will still be able to view footage on enrolled devices and share it with trusted users; the rollout begins in September, while full end-to-end encryption remains available but can restrict features. The article notes continuing concerns around Ring’s surveillance-oriented tools, including facial recognition and its proposed camera-networking features.