Today, we're talking about the camera company Ring, lost dogs, and the surveillance state. Since it aired for a massive audience at the Super Bowl, Ring’s Search Party commercial has become a lightning rod for controversy. It’s easy to see how the same technology that can find lost dogs can be used to find people, and then used to invade our privacy in all kinds of uncomfortable ways, by cops and regular people alike.

Although Ring has since canceled its partnership with controversial surveillance company Flock, the company is now facing hard questions about its plans to use AI to promote safer neighborhoods, and how that intersects with its ongoing relationship with law enforcement. 

Links: 

• Ring cancels partnership with Flock after surveillance backlash | The Verge
• Ring’s lost dog ad sparks backlash amid fears of surveillance | The Verge
• Ring says it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras | The Verge
• How police recovered Nancy Guthrie’s Nest Doorbell footage | The Verge
• Ring’s Jamie Siminoff thinks AI can reduce crime | Decoder
• Ring CEO says cameras can almost ‘zero out crime’ within 12 months | The Verge
• ICE taps into nationwide AI camera network, data shows | 404 Media
• ICE, Secret Service had access to Flock's camera network | 404 Media

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Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt and edited by Ursa Wright. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane. 

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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