An internal email from Ring founder Jamie Siminoff reveals that Search Party for Dogs was just the beginning of a larger plan. A leaked email indicates Ring’s vision for expanding their AI-driven neighborhood search beyond finding lost dogs. Sent by Jamie Siminoff to Ring employees last October, it suggests a future possibility of completely eliminating neighborhood crime through Search Party. The Amazon-owned home security company faced backlash following a Super Bowl ad demonstrating their Search Party feature—where Ring cameras were used to locate lost dogs—which sparked concerns about broader surveillance implications. In response to inquiries, Ring asserted that Search Party is designed specifically for searching dogs and not for people, and that footage sharing is at the discretion of camera owners unless responding to legal requests.
Siminoff’s email confirms this new feature as Ring’s most innovative launch, with the potential to substantially impact their mission. Ring already provides AI tools for searching personal camera footage for various objects, while Search Party can be initiated by Ring Neighbors app users. Initially launched to find dogs and extended to wildfires, it’s default for Ring subscribers. Recent addition of facial recognition and law enforcement ties have prompted concerns about creating a dystopian surveillance system.
Siminoff argues Ring cameras can reduce crime, claiming AI-powered cameras offer more useful context and alerts. Ring stated they aim to provide critical context for users facing neighborhood events, emphasizing sharing is the camera owner’s decision. Despite intended user benefits, privacy concerns about these AI tools’ extensive abilities remain, questioning what exactly will help eliminate crime as claimed by Ring.