Court rules on privacy invasion due to Ring doorbell
Image credit: Amazon Ring
Let's face it, smart home products are just plain fun. Who doesn't want to flick the switch on their kettle without getting out of bed first? Well, you might want to think twice about the implications of GDPR and what they can mean for your connected home, especially when it comes to those that capture audio and video.
UK Judges Rules on Privacy Invasion Caused by Ring Video Doorbell
The appeal of the Ring Video Doorbell is simple; see who's outside your home without opening the door, and deter would-be burglars. That's what Jon Woodard insisted he was doing when he installed more than one device outside his home in Oxfordshire. In addition to installing a Ring doorbell, it’s said that he used dummy cameras and other devices to create an expansive deterrence around his property and garden.
Unfortunately for him, a nearby neighbour was less inclined to be featured on film. She said that the video and audio recordings generated by the device broke data protection (GDPR) laws and could be considered harassment.
Ruling on the case, Judge Melissa Clarke said that the use of the Ring doorbell and other devices violated the UK Data Protection Act and UK GDPR. She also ruled that Mr Woodward’s behaviour during the subsequent dispute between neighbours amounted to harassment.
"Personal data may be captured from people who are not even aware that the device is there, or that it records and processes audio and personal data."
Judge Melissa Clark
This is the first ruling of its kind in the UK and could set a worrying precedent for homeowners. After all, buying a Ring doorbell or similar device is as simple as clicking a single button on Amazon. There are no warnings or terms and conditions to read before pulling the trigger. Unless you’re clued up on GDPR, you might not ever think twice about where you position your new surveillance equipment.
Even so, it's unlikely we'll see Ring doorbells or any similar devices vanish from major retailers anytime soon. According to recent research, as many as one in four homes now have a video doorbell, and the most common among them is the Ring device. But if you want to avoid any nasty surprises and potentially facing charges far higher than the cost of your new smart home toy, you’ll want to keep GDPR in mind when positioning your devices.
This is where I’d normally close with a link to the GDPR guidance for the consumer at home. Spoiler: there isn’t any, at least, not yet. Tread carefully.
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