NEW YORK (NEWSnet/AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell-camera footage from users.

Ring said it will end the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows public safety agencies to request video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app.

The company did not provide a reason for the change, which becomes effective this week.

Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said law enforcement agencies will be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. Agencies also may use the app to “share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” Kuhn said.

The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app, following concerns raised by privacy watchdogs about the company’s relationship with police departments.

In 2021, in a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app.

Previously, law enforcement agencies were able to send Ring owners who lived near an area of an active investigation private emails requesting video footage.

Law enforcement agencies still are allowed to access video via search warrant. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.

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