News site Intercept reported in January that Ring employees in the United States and Ukraine had access to cameras ‘ personal data worldwide. The report stated that Ring provided a number of workers and managers access to stored and sometimes live customer video files. “Should hackers or foreign players gain access to these information, they could not only endanger the privacy and safety of the Americans affected; they could also jeopardize U.S. national security,” the senators said. “Foreign intelligence services can use personal data to enhance espionage effects and influence operations.” The Senators asked the company to explain its practices in addressing security vulnerabilities. Ring says the letter is checking. The Letters are signed by Sens. Markey of Massachusetts, Maryland’s Chris Van Hollen, Delaware’s Christopher Coons, and Michigan’s Gary Peters. The letter follows Markey’s reactions to separate privacy and civil rights questions on Tuesday. Markey was concerned that Ring could use face-to-face scanning technology after a patent application revealed that the company is testing a device that might mark people as suspicious and warn police. Since last year, more than 600 police departments have signed up for the Ring network, and many say they are a useful tool to combat crime.
