Balancing Privacy and Security: The Evolving Landscape of Ring Cameras in Our Neighborhoods

To go back to this article, head to My Profile and then look for the saved stories section.

What's Our Stance on Ring?

Purchasing through the links in our articles may result in us receiving a commission. This contributes to our journalistic efforts. Find out more. Additionally, think about subscribing to WIRED.

Ring cameras have significantly evolved since their introduction to the market 11 years ago. The security camera brand, known for its video doorbells and surveillance cameras, has become a ubiquitous presence, monitoring the comings and goings on properties across various neighborhoods. Now under Amazon's ownership, Ring has navigated through a series of challenges, including concerns over privacy, security vulnerabilities, instances of vigilantism, and its close ties with police departments. Despite these hurdles, the brand's growth has not faltered, with over 10 million devices installed, casting a wide net of surveillance across both urban and suburban areas, keeping an eye on residents, their visitors, and any passersby.

This results in an overwhelming amount of footage to comb through when you're on the lookout for crucial details, such as confirming a delivery or pinpointing the moment your children headed out to soccer practice. It's this overload of video content that has prompted Ring cameras, along with several other products on the market, to integrate AI-driven features. The latest update to Ring's software introduces a functionality that allows users to locate particular instances recorded by their cameras.

This week on the program, Paresh Dave, a senior writer for WIRED, returns to discuss the growth of Ring—detailing how these security cameras have become a common feature in home security technology, and exploring what's next as they begin to integrate artificial intelligence.

Episode Summary

Explore Paresh's article on the latest AI enhancements by Ring. Check out WIRED's recommendations for top-notch indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras. Discover the extensive information gathered by Ring from its customers and learn why we paused our endorsement of Ring cameras for a period.

Suggestions:

Paresh suggests subscribing to Sling TV through Dish for live sports viewing. Mike suggests looking for fake security cameras for installation if your landlord mandates setting up a security camera. Lauren suggests watching the series Nobody Wants This and Killing Eve, both available on Netflix.

You can connect with Paresh Dave on social media at the handle @peard33. Follow Lauren Goode at @LaurenGoode. Reach out to Michael Calore via @snackfight on heads.social. For the main contact line, hit up @GadgetLab. The production of the show is managed by Boone Ashworth, who you'll find at @booneashworth. The soundtrack for our show is crafted by Solar Keys.

Listening Instructions

The audio player available on this webpage allows for immediate access to this week's podcast episode. However, for those interested in automatically receiving each episode, subscribing is a complimentary option. Here are the steps to do so:

For iPhone or iPad users, launch the Podcasts app or simply click on this link. Alternatively, you can install an application such as Overcast or Pocket Casts and look for Gadget Lab. Android users can locate us easily in the Google Podcasts app by clicking here. We are also available on Spotify. Additionally, if necessary, here is the RSS feed.

Transcript Disclaimer: Please be aware that this transcript was generated automatically and might include inaccuracies.

Lauren Goode: Mike.

Michael Calore: Lauren.

Lauren Goode: How many cameras have you installed in your house?

Michael Calore: What, you're referring to something from Call Her Daddy? Aimed at my sofa?

Lauren Goode: Oh, I was referring to surveillance cameras.

Michael Calore: What's the word I use for safety?

Lauren Goode: Actually, the camera is positioned at the front part of your house.

Michael Calore: Ah, got it. Similar to surveillance cameras.

Lauren Goode: Indeed.

Michael Calore: Absolutely not. I don't have a single security camera at the front of my home. How about yourself?

Lauren Goode: Indeed, I do. It's actually my landlord who owns one.

Michael Calore: Your renowned property owner.

Lauren Goode: We'll save that topic for a different podcast episode, yes.

Michael Calore: So, what are your thoughts on your landlord putting a camera on your property?

Lauren Goode: Honestly, it's true that those cameras have picked up some bizarre footage. However, my real takeaway is how conscious I've become of the extensive recording happening as I navigate through San Francisco. Our area is saturated with cameras. It's as if a sci-fi narrative once imagined a future of widespread surveillance controlled by a major power. Yet, in reality, it's simply numerous individuals who've collectively purchased connected cameras.

Michael Calore: And the major player is Amazon.

Lauren Goode identifies Amazon as the major player.

Michael Calore: Indeed, today's topic of discussion should be about the Ring cameras owned by individuals.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely, it's worth discussing for sure.

Michael Calore: Let's get started.

[Intro music for Gadget Lab starts playing]

Lauren Goode: Hello everyone. Thanks for joining us at Gadget Lab. My name is Lauren Goode, and I serve as a senior writer for WIRED.

Michael Calore: My name is Michael Calore, and I oversee consumer technology and culture at WIRED.

Lauren Goode: This week, we have the pleasure of welcoming Paresh Dave, a senior writer at WIRED, back to our program.

Paresh Dave: Greetings. It seems we have consecutive episodes lined up, which is quite thrilling.

Lauren Goode: Was that the case?

Michael Calore: Indeed. We actually had a week's break.

Lauren Goode: We took a week off.

Michael Calore: Affirmative.

Lauren Goode: Understood.

Michael Calore: During the break week, Paresh joined us as well.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely. Paresh, we usually discuss Google with you, but today's topic shifts to Amazon, focusing on Ring cameras. Many people are already familiar with Ring's home security cameras, and some might even use them in their homes. Paresh, you've been exploring the latest updates to Ring cameras, specifically their new search functionalities that seem to be straight out of a sci-fi movie, albeit a bit unsettling. Later on, we'll dive into Ring's overall business and its widespread adoption across neighborhoods nationwide, despite its historically contentious ties with police departments. But to kick things off, Paresh, could you share your experiences with testing these new search capabilities on a Ring camera at your place?

Paresh Dave explains that Ring is primarily recognized for its video doorbell, alongside a variety of other security cameras and devices. Prior to the introduction of a new search function, locating a specific video clip could be cumbersome. For instance, if you wanted to review footage from the previous night at 9:30 where a dog was excessively barking, you had to manually navigate through a video timeline. This process involved extensive scrolling and adjusting the timeline to pinpoint the exact moment around 9:30 when the dog was making noise.

Ring has developed an artificial intelligence model capable of identifying various elements such as humans, animals, atmospheric conditions, scenarios, lighting, and movements including running, dancing, and jumping. This allows users to utilize the Ring application in a manner similar to searching on YouTube, but specifically within their own Ring video archive. The platform offers a straightforward and efficient search experience, enabling users to input search terms and refine results by either relevance or chronological order, leading to video clips that closely match their search criteria.

Michael Calore: When you mention it's mostly relevant, could you elaborate on what it excels at and where the search function falls short?

Paresh Dave: Given the limited time I've had to explore this, I hesitate to make sweeping statements. However, I noticed it excels in certain areas, such as identifying individuals carrying backpacks. It's remarkably adept at recognizing dogs. For instance, when I searched for "police," it successfully displayed various instances of police vehicles. That said, distinguishing between car brands like Mazda and Kia seems beyond its capabilities. Interestingly, a search for a "blonde woman" resulted in images of golden retrievers, along with women who seemed to have darker hair.

Lauren Goode: I'd consider that a compliment, observe my dense, luxurious hair, akin to a golden retriever's. Paresh, you attempted to look up some qualitative descriptors, as the CEO of Ring described them, and you came up empty-handed in those searches, right? Could you share what those terms were?

Paresh Dave: Indeed, during my investigation for the story, I had a conversation with Liz Hamren, the CEO of Ring. She disclosed that Ring has implemented restrictions or filters on certain search terms to prevent searches related to content that could be deemed harmful, inappropriate, or offensive. However, she did not provide specific examples of what those terms might be, leaving me to speculate. I presumed that terms possibly restricted could include 'Black,' 'Indian,' or 'Hispanic.' Nonetheless, it was unexpected to find that searches for general terms like 'man,' 'woman,' or even more specific terms such as 'blonde woman' were permissible. Interestingly, a search for 'blonde woman' did retrieve videos, including those of blonde women, alongside golden retrievers.

Michael Calore: So, Paresh, the company is not going ahead with face recognition technology, is that right?

Paresh Dave: Indeed.

Michael Calore: This appears to be a capability common among many cameras. For instance, Google's Nest video doorbell camera has the ability to notify you when Lauren is at your door.

Lauren Goode: Is that genuinely possible?

Michael Calore: Yes, it has the capability to identify faces, distinguishing those it categorizes as friends and family. Did you gain any insight into why Ring has opted not to implement this feature?

Lauren Goode: Additionally, I request to be labeled as your enemy within your home security system, if you may.

Michael Calore: Companions, adversaries, and kin.

Paresh Dave believes that Ring is aware of the potential interest from customers for a specific feature. While he isn't certain about the reasons behind the company's decision not to pursue it, Liz Hamren mentioned to him that they are open to exploring it if there's significant demand from users. According to Hamren, this feature isn't a priority at the moment. However, Dave acknowledges the potential benefits of receiving immediate alerts, for instance, when monitoring the safety of a loved one or ensuring children arrive home safely, especially since they may not always communicate their whereabouts. This aligns with the broader societal trend towards expecting quick information. The exact reasons for not moving forward with this feature remain somewhat vague.

Lauren Goode: While I may not share your view on our society being driven by the need for immediate satisfaction, just a moment. I'm expecting my Turkish bagel order from DoorDash any minute now. So, Paresh, considering that search is merely the beginning for Ring with this sophisticated search capability, what further actions are they looking to implement?

Paresh Dave: It's quite expected that once the technology to accurately recognize objects in videos becomes available, it opens up the possibility for generating notifications, similar to what we've seen with facial recognition technology. Ring aims to utilize this to inform you about significant events, such as an impending storm leading to potential flooding in your backyard, which is particularly useful when you're not home. Additionally, this technology can alert you to both exciting and, potentially, frightening situations – for example, discovering a bear wandering in your backyard, which is, of course, an unexpected scenario.

Ring is currently in the process of developing new alert features and summary reports. During a discussion between Liz and myself, we pondered the possibility of being informed about the variety of dogs that have walked past your house over the past six months, or the frequency of sightings of cars of a specific color. As it stands, the system isn't particularly adept at distinguishing between, say, a golden retriever and other dog breeds, nor can it accurately differentiate a red minivan from a red truck. However, with continued improvements, these detailed summaries could become a reality. They might be available in both text and video formats, though that remains to be seen. Now that Ring has incorporated AI search technology, the potential for what can be developed is vast.

Michael Calore: AI appreciates a good recap. Does this feature extend to all cameras and users? Is it exclusive to subscribers of Ring's premium services, or is it accessible to all users?

Paresh Dave: Excellent inquiry. Ring has stated that its system is compatible with all cameras, indicating no restrictions in that area. However, to access this feature, one must subscribe to Ring's Home Pro plan, which is priced at $20 monthly or $200 annually. Currently, Ring offers three different subscription levels, with the Home Pro plan being the priciest option among them. Ring justifies the high cost of this plan by pointing out the significant computational and cloud computing resources required to support its AI search functionality. Given the high demand for cloud computing services at the moment, Ring is partially covering these costs by charging users who wish to use the search function. Nonetheless, Ring believes that this feature is something customers, particularly those managing multiple cameras, are willing to invest in.

Lauren Goode: Okay, that provided an excellent summary of Ring's latest AI video search capabilities. Stay with us, because upon our return, we'll delve into Ring's commercial operations and the contentious ties with police departments we touched on before.

It seems like there

Lauren Goode: Okay. Paresh, we've discussed the latest tech advancements in Ring cameras. Can you tell us about the company's performance? Do you know how widespread they are in the US? And as we touched upon before, Ring is now under Amazon's umbrella, which should give it considerable support. However, I'm curious about how Amazon integrates Ring's operations into its larger corporate structure.

Paresh Dave: Absolutely, the story behind Ring is quite fascinating. I've been keeping an eye on the company for roughly ten years. It originated in Los Angeles, where I was covering startups at the time, and the company's journey is particularly captivating. Jamie Siminoff, the creative mind and entrepreneur behind Ring, initially set out to establish a different business. However, while working from his garage, he faced the challenge of not being able to hear the doorbell. That's when he came up with the idea of a video doorbell, leading to the foundation of Ring in 2011. Siminoff was driven by the concept of using technology to deter crime. He even went as far as offering to cover the insurance deductible for users who experienced theft while owning a Ring device. According to him, he managed to prevent potential break-ins by always responding through his Ring camera, effectively scaring away would-be burglars.

He even mentioned that he had never witnessed anything as effective in lowering crime rates as the video doorbell, which was a significant claim to make back in 2017. However, a year later, Amazon acquired the company for one billion dollars. Ring was already a user of Amazon Web Services (AWS), establishing a pre-existing connection between the two. Amazon fostered Ring's growth while keeping major changes at bay. This approach shifted significantly early in the previous year when Liz Hamren took over as CEO, replacing Jamie Siminoff. With a background including work on Xbox and Oculus, Liz has shifted the company's focus from its original crime reduction message to one centered on alleviating anxiety, a change that likely has its reasons.

Lauren Goode: Alleviating stress. That's quite fascinating.

Michael Calore: Absolutely.

Lauren Goode questions the necessity of SSRIs—

Michael Calore: Regarding the ownership of a Ring camera.

Lauren Goode: … when you possess a Ring camera?

Michael Calore: Another topic I frequently cover, Paresh, involves the Neighbors App. This app acts as a bridge for users of Ring cameras to connect with their surrounding community. It features a "Request for Assistance" option, enabling local law enforcement to issue alerts to app users. Through these alerts, the police could inform residents about recent incidents in their area and request them to share their video footage. This functionality significantly simplified the process for police to obtain camera footage directly from citizens, bypassing the traditional requirement for a warrant. Typically, if law enforcement wanted access to someone's camera footage, they would have to ask the owner. If the owner refused, the next step would be to secure a warrant.

Therefore, the Neighbors App wasn't exactly bypassing any lawful procedures; rather, it was simplifying the process for video footage to be shared with law enforcement. Clearly, this led to significant criticism from major privacy groups towards Ring.

Lauren Goode: Right, organizations focused on individual rights.

Michael Calore: Indeed, organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and WIRED were among those that strongly criticized them for that action.

Lauren Goode: Whenever we evaluated Ring cameras, we made it a point to include that specific detail, essentially alerting you to the fact that this occurs when you purchase a Ring camera.

Michael Calore: It's not that working alongside law enforcement is inherently negative, but rather the close connection between a company serving consumers and the state's surveillance apparatus that tends to unsettle numerous individuals.

Lauren Goode: Also, groups advocating for civil rights expressed dissatisfaction with this, arguing that it could lead to an increased number of incorrect identifications of individuals wrongly linked to local criminal activities.

Michael Calore: Yes, particularly when you're unfamiliar or someone not known.

Paresh Dave highlighted a significant change implemented by Liz Hamren upon taking over as CEO this year. She scaled back the collaborations Ring previously had with law enforcement agencies. Now, Ring doesn't actively facilitate the sharing of video footage between its users and the police. However, in situations where law enforcement presents a warrant or makes an emergency appeal for footage, Ring might still provide access to the requested videos, provided they have the capability to do so. Users have the option to activate end-to-end encryption for added privacy, although it's questionable how many have taken advantage of this feature. Moreover, those who opt for end-to-end encryption will be unable to use Ring's new search functionality.

However, Ring has begun to distance itself from its previous association and interactions with law enforcement. Nowadays, if you look at their advertisements, you'll notice a strong focus on charming videos of cats and lighthearted clips, reminiscent of the style of America's Funniest Home Videos.

Michael Calore: Indeed, they've got a program, correct? Ring Nation. It's hosted by Wanda Sykes. Essentially, it showcases viral clips from individuals' surveillance cameras.

Paresh Dave questions whether they still possess it, expressing uncertainty.

Lauren Goode: Is that actually the case?

Paresh Dave: I'm aware it existed. Unsure if it's still available.

Michael Calore believes it was simply a strategic move to produce exactly 150 episodes, ensuring the show's continuous broadcast on global TV networks through syndication.

Lauren Goode: It appears we've entered a dystopian reality.

Michael Calore: Absolutely, and what's fascinating is that it's also a key aspect of Ring's current marketing strategy. Beyond just reducing stress and positioning themselves as a more approachable brand, they're pitching themselves as enablers of viral content. By offering features that make it simpler to locate and share video clips captured by their cameras, they're essentially telling customers that their security devices could be the gateway to creating viral sensations. It's almost surreal to articulate this concept.

Lauren Goode: Truly, there are some incredible videos captured by Ring devices. I admit, I've saved a few myself from back when my cat was just a tiny kitten engaging in silly antics. The night vision feature is particularly impressive. It's perfect for those times when your pet is wandering around in the dark, turning them into this eerie silhouette with glowing eyes as they move through your living space.

Paresh Dave: Reflecting on my recent search experiences, I've noticed an unexpected charm in the results I've been getting. The unpredictability of search outcomes often leads to surprising discoveries. For example, I was looking for a clip of myself playing baseball, expecting to see footage of me hitting a ball with a bat. Surprisingly, what I found instead were videos showcasing a group of raccoons that apparently pass by my camera regularly every evening. It was a complete revelation to me that these raccoons were frequent visitors.

Lauren Goode: They have a spirited energy.

Paresh Dave expresses that the situation doesn't really alter how he acts. He's not concerned about scavengers going through garbage bins or anything similar. He's unsure if this situation makes him less anxious; in fact, it might do the opposite by making him aware of the constant presence of raccoons. However, he muses that if he resided in a more thrilling location and captured footage of a bear in his backyard, sharing it on TikTok could potentially lead to fame.

In essence, Ring can be seen as merely another diversion. Please understand, I find the concept of a video doorbell, the aspect it brings, to be quite beneficial and intriguing, just as it was when initially conceptualized by Jamie Siminoff. However, in certain respects, Ring is akin to TikTok.

Lauren Goode: Paresh, the next time you're experimenting with this AI search function, could you please make a specific search for raccoon paws? I'm curious about the tiny hands of raccoons. Would you be able to do that thing they do in crime shows where they zoom into an image by a huge factor, like 100 times, and keep improving the clarity of those little paws?

Paresh Dave expressed a wish for greater clarity.

Lauren Goode: Circling back to the topic of Ring's operations, it's well-known that Amazon often acquires smaller tech startups and then, unless they completely dissolve them, tends to let them continue as they were. Eero serves as another instance of this practice. Ring maintains its original branding. As far as I'm aware, Ring's headquarters remain in Los Angeles, right? So, what's the current state of Ring's business model and its performance in the market?

Paresh Dave: Indeed. Reflecting on my coverage from 2017, they were in the red, operating without any formal budgets due to the CEO's philosophy against them. His guiding principle was simple: avoid unnecessary expenses. He even encouraged staff to take care of office cleaning, including vacuuming, themselves. However, in recent times, Ring has turned a profit, a fact Liz Hamren emphasized comes with no caveats, following standard accounting practices. This profitability underscores the value people place on security and connectivity, derived from the cameras and security systems offered by Ring.

Indeed, it appears to have been somewhat neglected. However, Liz manages a collection of ventures, which encompasses additional Amazon-affiliated enterprises, such as Blink cameras. Hence, Amazon markets not just Ring cameras but Blink cameras as well. It's a bit perplexing since there are two distinct brands, yet they're maintaining this strategy at the moment. Liz is also in charge of Amazon Sidewalk, a venture that offers Wi-Fi connectivity which might be perceived as somewhat unsettling, along with a few other projects that have been bundled together under her leadership.

Michael Calore: Absolutely, Sidewalk is crazy.

Lauren Goode: Mike, you covered Sidewalk in an article last year, and we even dedicated a whole episode to it.

Michael Calore explains that there exists a specialized Wi-Fi network known for its low energy consumption and extensive range, which is accessible to devices registered under the Sidewalk network. This network allows these devices to connect to the internet well beyond the usual limits of a home Wi-Fi network. Notably, each Ring doorbell acts as a mini hub, sharing a portion of your home's Wi-Fi connection with the outside world, making it accessible to various users such as delivery drivers and emergency services, who might need to pinpoint their location. This feature is automatically activated upon installation, leaving many homeowners unaware that a fraction of their Wi-Fi is being publicly broadcasted by their doorbell. The revelation often surprises users, highlighting a significant, yet largely unrecognized, aspect of urban technological infrastructure in the United States.

Lauren Goode: Amazon's Expansion Across Urban Areas.

Michael Calore: It's quite astonishing. Similar protocols exist, like Zigbee, which operates in a comparable manner. However, what's truly remarkable is how the company managed to cover urban America with complimentary Wi-Fi signals for its devices, all while doing so quietly, without making it widely known or catching much public attention.

Lauren Goode indicates that Ring appears to be here to stay, benefiting from Amazon's support and its own profitability. This factor is influential for customers who prefer long-lasting products for their homes, avoiding frequent upgrades. They lean towards brands that project stability, and in this scenario, Ring seems to have secured its leading position.

Paresh Dave points out that the expectations are high. He begins by mentioning how Ring has effectively taken over residential areas. Now, it appears their sights are set on the commercial sector, particularly targeting small and medium enterprises. In my dialogue with Liz Hamren, it was disclosed that Ring is set to introduce a subscription service tailored for businesses early in the coming year. This service aims to cater to the needs of small businesses that currently rely on Ring's cameras for surveillance purposes. The upcoming features are designed to simplify the management of multiple premises for business owners and allow them to customize employee access levels. It's anticipated that this business-oriented venture will include other specialized features. This move is seen as a significant expansion for Ring, mirroring its integration into countless homes and neighborhoods, which could potentially broaden its influence even further.

Lauren Goode: Okay, thank you once more, Paresh, for sharing insights on Ring. It's been fascinating, but don't go anywhere as we'll return shortly to offer our suggestions.

[Segment Unavailable

Lauren Goode: Okay, Paresh, what do you suggest we check out this week?

Paresh Dave: Today, my advice leans heavily towards the American market. This month, I found myself needing a cable TV subscription to keep up with the baseball playoffs, despite already having subscriptions to Hulu, Netflix, Max, and numerous other services. I opted for Sling TV offered by Dish and was pleasantly taken aback by its user-friendliness and efficiency. Throughout the last week, I haven't run into any glitches or issues. While I haven't attempted to end my subscription, I appreciate the flexibility it offers with its no-commitment, month-to-month subscription model. Unlike other services, it doesn't entangle you in complicated free trial periods that still end up billing you annually.

Switching plans was a breeze since one plan offered a specific channel while the alternative plan provided access to a different one, which worked out perfectly as I no longer required the latter channel. The application operated smoothly and quickly. The way it personalized recommendations really added to the experience. This contrasted starkly with my experiences of frequent glitches with Hulu's ads and the sluggish performance of the Max app on my television. However, Sling has delivered a seamless experience both on my phone and TV. Honestly, I was thoroughly impressed, especially considering I had never considered trying Sling TV previously.

However, I'd like to add a note of caution, especially as DirecTV has recently made headlines by initiating a purchase agreement with Dish. Without offering any judgment for the antitrust authorities who might be tuning into this podcast or going through this content, I believe it's wise to consider the notable performance of Sling. It's important for the regulatory bodies to ensure that such a beneficial service doesn't suffer in a manner that ultimately disadvantages the consumer.

Michael Calore: Legal appeal. Legal appeal. Paresh Dave appeals to the FTC, requesting, "Ensure my baseball deliveries continue without interruption."

Paresh Dave: Perhaps I'll receive a subpoena.

Michael Calore: Which team are you on?

Paresh Dave discusses the San Diego Padres.

Michael Calore: Referring to the Padres, or in other words, the fathers.

Lauren Goode: Paresh, you also overlooked saying that the ex-CEO of Sling TV at Dish now serves as our CEO.

Michael Calore is employed at Condé Nast.

Interviewer: Lauren Goode. Guest: Roger Lynch.

Paresh Dave: My familiarity with him dates back to, perhaps, his time at Pandora or around that period.

Lauren Goode: Indeed, he previously worked at Sling, and I believe when he proposed his ideas to Condé Nast, he emphasized the same concepts: no glitches, complimentary trials, and the simplicity of changing subscriptions. He advocated for the idea that we shouldn't encourage users to change their WIRED subscriptions. He also mentioned offering recommendations that are precisely customized for each individual. And humorously added a caution against regulatory interference potentially harming our business. Just a light-hearted comment, though. To my knowledge, he never actually made such a proposal. However, it’s true that we share a connection through our CEO.

Michael Calore: Pleasant.

Lauren Goode: Appreciate it, Paresh. Mike, could you share your advice?

Michael Calore suggests a practical approach for those who find themselves in a situation where they're pressured into using a Ring doorbell. He mentions how some individuals, upon moving into a new apartment or buying a house within certain communities, face mandates from landlords or homeowners associations to install a Ring doorbell. For those reluctant to comply with these requirements, Calore offers a workaround. He advises searching for 'decoy video doorbell' on Amazon, the parent company of Ring and Blink, as a potential solution for those seeking to avoid setting up actual video surveillance at their residence.

Lauren Goode: It's becoming quite repetitive.

Michael Calore suggests that for those seeking an alternative to actual video doorbells, the market offers dummy versions. Additionally, one can explore various 3D printing websites where users upload and share blueprints for counterfeit video doorbells that mimic the appearance of genuine ones. This can be particularly useful for individuals under pressure from their homeowners association, landlord, or fellow residents to set up a surveillance system, yet are reluctant to do so. Calore proposes purchasing one of these replicas and mounting it at the entrance of your home. In the event you're asked to provide video evidence from your doorbell, you can simply state, “My video doorbell was not operational at that time.” This way, you're not deceiving anyone since you're stating a fact, and you also avoid the need to share any surveillance data.

Lauren Goode: Does that constitute a hindrance to legal proceedings?

Michael Calore expressed his opinion, stating that he lacks legal expertise on the matter. However, he finds it absurd for landlords to mandate tenants to install video doorbells, whether it's explicitly stated in the lease agreement or communicated through a notice. He believes it's unreasonable to force individuals to set up security cameras at their entrances.

Lauren Goode: It's amusing how your method of rebelling is to head to Amazon and purchase the item.

Michael Calore suggests exploring local 3D printing groups to discover how to use a 3D printer at a nearby hacker space, allowing you to create the item yourself instead of purchasing it from Amazon.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely, we're discussing content that's up to the standards of a WIRED podcast.

Michael Calore finds it amusingly ironic to purchase a counterfeit Ring from Amazon.

Lauren Goode: Understood. I appreciate the suggestion.

Michael Calore: They cost around $10. So, that's what I suggest. Ignore anyone who says you need to keep tabs on each other. Unless that's something you're into, which is totally okay. You're free to do so.

Lauren Goode: Right here, right here.

Michael Calore: As we've concluded from the forty minutes of content you've just experienced, it's a common practice. Lauren, what do you suggest?

Lauren Goode: Mine is quite simple. Has everyone watched Nobody Wants This on Netflix?

Michael Calore: Certainly not.

Lauren Goode: Paresh, did you get a chance to look at it?

Paresh Dave: Not yet, but it's planned for the future.

Lauren Goode: Mike, you've been out in the wilderness, off the grid in a tent for a few days, so you've completely missed the buzz around Nobody Wants This. Paresh, I'm eager to hear what you think about it. However, I'm not suggesting it just because it's the hot topic right now. Interestingly, the show's lead has her own podcast, similar to Call Her Daddy, alongside her sister. They even mention Call Her Daddy's massive $60 million deal with Spotify on the show, giving it a similar vibe. It's centered around discussions of sex. But actually, after I finished watching the series, I found it compelling enough to view it a second time, first on my own and then again with my family.

Michael Calore: Astonishing.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely. It was quite the familial experience, enjoying a romantic comedy about the relationship between a rabbi and someone who isn't Jewish, and exploring their potential to succeed as a couple. Following that, one of the shows suggested to me was Killing Eve, a series I believe you've mentioned before, right Mike?

Michael Calore: I disagree.

Lauren Goode: Honestly, I was convinced that was your thing.

Michael Calore: I can't recall ever watching it.

Lauren Goode: Ah, I see.

Michael Calore: Sandra Oh was the topic of discussion.

Lauren Goode is enthralled by "Killing Eve," a series featuring Sandra Oh, with the creative genius of Phoebe Waller-Bridge handling its writing and executive production. Despite discovering it two years post-release, Goode's affinity for spy narratives draws her to this show. Sandra Oh embodies the role of an MI6 bureaucrat who finds herself unexpectedly elevated to a critical position, thanks to her insights into a Russian assassin's activities. Tasked officially to pursue this assassin, the series unfolds as a thrilling pursuit interspersed with dark humor and a substantial dose of violence. Despite the grim aspects, Goode finds the series captivating and enjoyable.

Michael Calore: Quite impressive.

Lauren Goode: Definitely, for those who might not be familiar with it, and if you appreciate Sandra Oh like I do, I truly admire how Phoebe Waller-Bridge crafts female characters. So, indeed, I’m a supporter.

Michael Calore: Great suggestion.

Lauren Goode: Additionally, don't miss out on Nobody Wants This. Mike, it's a must-see for you.

Michael Calore: Absolutely. You have my word on that. I will do it.

Lauren Goode: Alright.

Michael Calore: Right after the baseball postseason concludes.

Lauren Goode: Absolutely, especially with the sports topics. Alright. It was such an enjoyable episode. Paresh, it was great having you with us again. Perhaps you'll be back next week as well? We'll see.

Paresh Dave: Thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Lauren Goode: I encourage everyone to check out Paresh's article on WIRED.com. Mike, as always, thank you for being an amazing co-host.

Michael Calore: I appreciate it.

Lauren Goode: A big thank you to everyone tuning in. If you'd like to share your thoughts, we might joke about spotting us in Ring camera clips shared online after the episode. But really, you should just look at the show notes. That's where we'll list our contact information. Our outstanding producer, the local hero Boone Ashworth, makes this all happen. We're signing off for now, but we'll return with a new episode next week. Farewell until then.

[Outro music from Gadget Lab starts playing]

Explore Further …

Political Workshop: Subscribe to our newsletter and tune into our podcast

A solution from an emergency room physician for the United States' firearm crisis

Video: Antony Blinken propels American foreign policy into the modern era

Revelations from a Seasoned Hinge Enthusi

Make plans to attend the Energy Tech Summit happening on October 10 in Berlin.

WIRED PROMOTIONS

Offer on Dyson Airwrap: Complimentary $60 Case Plus $40 Gift

Enjoy Up to an Additional 45% Discount on the October Sale

Receive a 15% discount on a single item using a VistaPrint Promo Code

Half-Price Discount on Selected Items with Newegg Coupon Code

Student Offer on Peacock: Get it for Only $1.99 per Month for a Year

For a Short Period, Secure the Latest DJI Mini 4 Pro Starting at $759

Additional Content from WIRED

Insights and Tutorials

© 2024 Condé Nast. All rights are protected. WIRED might receive a share of revenue from items sold via our website, as a result of our Affiliate Agreements with retail partners. Content on this website is not allowed to be copied, shared, broadcast, stored, or utilized in any form without explicit written consent from Condé Nast. Advertising Options

Choose a global website