Video Doorbell Privacy Issues
Video Doorbells In the News
Video doorbells are one of the hottest home security tools on the market today. We agree. Once you have a video doorbell, you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it. Check out our blog on How a Video Doorbell Works to learn more.
However, like any technology on the market today, privacy issues continue to be a significant concern and video doorbell companies have come under scrutiny for some of their privacy practices.
A video doorbell is like caller ID for your front door. A camera turns on when someone rings your doorbell or movement is detected by the front door. You can log in to an app on your smartphone and view a live feed of the person at the door.
Many video doorbell systems also record footage of visitors who approach your door while you’re away from home or unable to answer the door. Most popular commercial video doorbell systems don’t offer local storage for recorded video, so you must subscribe to a cloud service for a monthly fee to view your recorded clips. Monthly subscriptions are what drive their revenue.
You believe you are the only one who has access to view your recorded video footage, particularly if you have an encrypted Wi-Fi network. However, it turns out, you may not be, and that is why some video doorbell companies have been in the news of late.
Security researchers discovered flaws in some video doorbell devices that left the systems exposed to hackers. Hackers could easily see and hear audio and video transmitted by the video doorbell.
Another issue recently discovered: the terms of service agreements for some video doorbell companies include clauses that allow employees at the video doorbell companies to view your videos. Granted, it is usually for training purposes or to help improve service, but it is still disconcerting for many consumers. Especially when there are reports about video doorbell employees annotating footage with actions like “kissing, firing guns, and stealing.”
Additionally, it was reported that unencrypted video and audio transmissions were being viewed by employees of these video doorbell companies even though the terms of service did not explicitly give the company that right.
If the company housing your recorded video is accessing your video, how can they use it?
While you may be comfortable with your video being used for training or product improvement processes, some homeowners were up in arms earlier this year when they discovered their videos were being used for advertisements.
Users had opted-in to an alert service that showed the faces of suspected criminals around the country. What they didn’t realize was that the fine print granted the video doorbell companies an unlimited, irrevocable, fully paid and royalty-free, perpetual, worldwide rights to exploit Shared Content for any purpose.
The bottom line is that you must be your own advocate for the privacy of your information. Do not sign contracts without carefully reading them. Remember that anything transmitted over Wi-Fi or stored in the cloud is susceptible to hacking if it is not encrypted. It’s up to you to do your research and choose to work with companies who are known for their strong privacy practices, data encryption methods, and who have not had reported breaches of their security measures.
If you want to read more about the privacy battles brewing over video doorbells, check out The Washington Post’s article, The doorbells have eyes: The privacy battle brewing over home security cameras. There is some excellent information in here about how to be a responsible video doorbell owner, as well as some of the current privacy debates that are brewing.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How Much Data Does a Wifi Security Camera Use?
Internet Speed Bandwidth Internet bandwidth is a significant issue nowadays. Everything is tapping into the internet— from our phones to our refrigerators. If you’re installing internet protocol (IP) security cameras, they will inevitably use some of the bandwidth from your network. The question is, how much? When you purchase home internet service, you typically get…
Fire Safety for Multistory Buildings
While it can seem similar to homes or businesses, multistory properties have unique demands for fire safety. Whether your property includes a mid-rise condo and business building or multiple low-rise apartment locations, it requires additional care and consideration when evaluating the protection of inhabitants from fire hazards. If a fire breaks out in one…
Emergency Egress 101 for Commercial Buildings
When people think about emergency egress, they usually picture exit signs and the nearest door. In reality, egress is the entire route occupants rely on to get out quickly and safely—often under heightened stress, reduced visibility, and crowded conditions. When a means of egress isn’t clear or usable, even a minor emergency can turn into…
What is the Lifespan of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
As with pretty much everything, your smoke alarm eventually expires. Sensors can become less sensitive over time, making them less adept at doing their job: detecting smoke, carbon monoxide, or potential fires. Replacing the equipment in your fire safety system is important both at home and in your business. We have developed a quick guide…
Video Doorbell Privacy Issues
Video Doorbells In the News Video doorbells are one of the hottest home security tools on the market today. We agree. Once you have a video doorbell, you’ll probably wonder how you ever lived without it. Check out our blog on How a Video Doorbell Works to learn more. However, like any technology on the…
Tips to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security and other DIY security systems can leave your home as a potential target for hackers or thieves. When you are investing in a security system, you are hoping for peace of mind, and you are trusting this technology with your safety and property. Have I Been Hacked? A hacker may…
Where Should Security Cameras Be Installed in a Business?
Security camera placement in a business needs to be strategically decided based on several important factors. Areas that store valuables, have high foot traffic, and enable access to your building should be some of the essential locations. Learn more about what kinds of security cameras you can use and where they should be installed in…
How to Maintain a Commercial Security System
Updated May 2023 With the latest advances in security technology, it’s becoming easier for small businesses to find a security system that works for their needs. Whether your business just installed your commercial security system or has been utilizing security measures for some time, proper maintenance will increase the life of your system and provide…
5 Common Fire Safety Violations
For business owners, maintaining a commercial fire safety system is crucial for day-to-day protection. Ensuring your system and its components are in order is especially important when your business’ fire inspection occurs each year. Even if you do everything you can to prepare for your next fire inspection, you may only realize you missed something…
The Benefits of Keyless Access Control
As your organization grows and evolves, managing physical access becomes increasingly complex. Traditional keys often struggle to keep pace with changing employee roles, multiple locations, and heightened security expectations. These issues don’t just cause minor issues—they create risks that can impact productivity, compliance, and overall security. Keyless access provides a modern approach to commercial access…