Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

User:H0l0

2026-05-21T18:33:26Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[Anti-privacy legislation]](Made major contributions)
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages, put Wikipedia portions of the article in block quotes, added subsection under "Police Partnerships")
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices, added sub-section)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Roblox

2026-04-14T20:07:23Z

H0l0: fixed error that was present on citation 50

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American gaming platform featuring user-generated games with microtransactions, primarily targeted towards children.
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Gaming
|Logo=Roblox.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roblox.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Roblox|'''Roblox''']] is an online platform which lets users create their own games, as well as all sorts of virtual items for their personal avatars. The platform is owned by the Roblox Corporation.

Users create games through Roblox Studio, an application separate from the Roblox Player. Roblox Studio can be used by a user to create digital backups of the games they create. These backups are stored on their hard drive and can not be altered by the Roblox Corporation.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201050040/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217144058/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref>
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them.
*'''Other information:''' The Roblox Corporation can terminate (delete) a user's account as long as they believe they are violating the Terms of Use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date= |title=Roblox Terms of Use |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120135232/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=20 Jan 2026|access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |page=Section 2}}</ref> Termination can not be revoked.<ref name=":1" /> A terminated user will lose all content they own on Roblox along with their account, including what they purchased with Robux.<ref name=":1" />

==Monetization==
Roblox is a free service which features microtransactions made with Robux, e.g. new accessories, clothing, exclusive content in certain games E.g gamepasses, and the ability to access certain games. All items purchased on Roblox are stored on Roblox servers alone, so Roblox has the ability to modify or delete the items you own. Deleted or moderated items do not guarantee a refund, even if user is not at fault. <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=Will I Get My Robux Back If I Delete/Do Not Like an Item? |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202060541/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

On September 9, 2021, Roblox launched an automated process for users to receive Robux back for items they had bought which had been deleted or otherwise moderated<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roblox Moderated Item Robux Policy |url=https://www.roblox.com/modcreditagreement/974158ba-99f0-4915-8fde-5b07b3cbbe09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/aEZB0 |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The Roblox company implemented this change after they got sued for first allowing items to be sold and then deleting them without compensating users that purchased said items<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe v. Roblox Corporation |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222145446/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. Until then, there was no refund method in place, meaning that if an item was deleted, Roblox would keep all of the profit they made of said item and sometimes all of the money made from selling said item if the creators account got terminated and the creator hadn't spent their Robux yet.

==Incidents==
===Inappropriate content===
Throughout the 2020s, Roblox has faced several controversies regarding child safety, including a lawsuit in 2020 over how the platform had allowed two adults to harass a 10-year-old girl, causing her mental health to deteriorate so badly that she resorted to suicide, according to her parents' testimony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Edwin |date=2025-08-15 |title=This list is the tip of the iceberg. So many cases go unreported, undetected, or contribute to the deaths of children. Below is one lawsuit in which a 10-year-old girl claimed abuse through Roblox. |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

On 14th August 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murrill |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-14 |title=Attorney General Liz Murrill on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1956081394083409932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=X}}</ref>, alleging child exploitation and the platforming of sexual predators on the platform. Roblox themselves released an official response to the lawsuit on 15th August 2025.

On 6 November 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Roblox, over child safety concerns, accusing the company of "deceiving parents about the dangers of its platform".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Ram |date=2025-11-07 |title=Texas AG sues Roblox, accusing it of prioritizing ‘pixel pedophiles’ over child safety |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |work=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206204009/https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Accusations of child labor===
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210010556/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |archive-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318185209/https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2023 |website=reuters.com}}</ref>

On the 24th of August 2025 the YouTube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938.

===Blocking Linux users===
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221184705/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216174353/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725105111/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175853/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221101707/https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128050139/https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250507192309/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |archive-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

===Problematic moderation===
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}}
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> including numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=17 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201024759/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221075424/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231190731/https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306023157/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-date=6 Mar 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Roblox-Sclep controversy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321141928/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |work=Wikipedia}}</ref>

According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903192622/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322154652/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>
===Condo games===
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217013725/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121406/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121193151/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation.

However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124002839/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts - Roblox - r35 |url=https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121444/https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed.

===Predator-hunting groups===
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321180741/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102194729/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children.

===ID & face scan age verification===
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115005623/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users Archived])</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202081813/https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212134643/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115161245/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260118060352/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat Archived])</ref> Said facial estimation is also required to use some features other than the chat, such as Roblox Studio's team create.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |first= |date=26 Mar 2026 |title=Age Requirements for Team Create in Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-requirements-for-team-create-in-studio/4539725 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

On April 2026 that Roblox will be Introducing Roblox Kids and Roblox Select: age-based accounts that use age-check technology to deliver tailored content, safer chat, and expanded parental controls for users under 16 and required to age verify to be able to play Moderate games <ref>{{Cite web |last=Baszucki |first=David |date=Apr 13, 2026 |title=Roblox Introduces New Age-Based Accounts and Expanded Parental Controls for Users Under 16 |url=https://about.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/04/introducing-roblox-kids-and-select-accounts |url-status=live |website=Roblox}}</ref>

===Removal of 2D/Classic Faces===
On 27th January, 2026, Roblox announced via a DevForum post that they would be fully migrating all 2D faces to Dynamic Heads and removing 2D face and Classic Head support entirely. <ref>{{Cite web |last=GeneralRelish |first= |date=2026-01-27 |title=Completing the Dynamic Head Migration |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307020815/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Roblox Developer Forum}}</ref> Roblox claimed that all Dynamic Heads would have 1:1 parity with the original 2D faces, which was quickly pointed out as untrue across comments on the DevForum, with some users guessing that the majority of the new Dynamic Heads were AI generated. Roblox previously supported Classic Heads with 2D faces, the majority of these heads were paid cosmetics sold under the pretense that support for them would continue. With this update, Roblox has discontinued support for this paid product, changing the terms of the sale after consumers purchased it.

On 5th March, 2026, Roblox amended the DevForum post claiming that they would work with Kestrel, a well known UGC brand on the Roblox platform, to review the 1:1 migration of 2D faces. On 23rd March, 2026, Roblox fully rolled out the update, releasing sub-standard 3D heads and removing 2D faces and Classic Heads. Kestrel's Creative Director Ana went on X (Formerly Twitter) to state that Roblox had released the update without consulting Kestrel in any way, and that Roblox had released the update early. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ana |first= |date=2026-03-23 |title=Ana on X: |url=https://x.com/Anareloux/status/2036175481624486264 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=X}}</ref> This led to several users on the DevForum to believe that Kestrel had approved of the update, damaging Kestrel's reputation.

===Requiring a Roblox+ subscription in order to publish games===
On the 13th of April, 2026, Roblox had announced an update taking effect on May 19th that would '''require''' game publishers to "have an active Roblox+ subscription" in order to publish games and '''keep them up''' for others to experience, along with other restrictions if the game is intended to be played by an audience of all age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tornow |first=Nick |date=12 Apr 2026 |title=New standards to publish games on Roblox are coming soon |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=033GBcpcmxc |access-date=14 Apr 2026 |website=Youtube |publisher=[[Roblox]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=NikT |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=New Publishing Requirements & Evaluation Process for Games |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166 |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> It was initially announced in the unlisted video that "people with more than 100 hours of playtime on their projects" would receive up to 6 months of a free Roblox+ subscription. Hours later, however, people began to report incidents of their eligibility being revoked from them, despite having met the presented requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=pe9h |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=Comment #2597 on the initial announcement page for new publishing requirements |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166/2597 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=nukesplash |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=Comment #2618 on the initial announcement page for new publishing requirements |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166/2618 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Illinois_Roadbuff |date=14 Apr 2026 |title=Comment #2739 on the initial announcement page for new publishing requirements |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166/2739 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iepurasul_unic |date=14 Apr 2026 |title=Eligibility for 6-month free Plus grant disappeared despite meeting 100h requirement |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/eligibility-for-6-month-free-plus-grant-disappeared-despite-meeting-100h-requirement/4576708 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

====List of all current publishing restrictions:====
*Having to be ID-verified
*Having 2-Factor-Authentification(2FA) on
*Having an active Roblox Plus subscription
*Having your game complete a new evaluation process involving "player reports & signals".

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-04-14T19:23:20Z

H0l0: small change "Device-Based Age Indication" -> "Device-Based Age VERIFICATION". (bruh hell nah)

{{Incomplete|issue 1=needs general improvement of quality and quantity of information}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==
The US legislative process is as follows:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=23 Feb 2026 |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026 |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=[[United States House of Representatives]]}}</ref>

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2026 |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307171826/https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=[[Constitution Annotated]]}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2026 |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224165919/https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |date=28 Feb 2026 |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730145810/http://jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |archive-date=2024-07-30 |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill(now law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|Senate bill S. 737(also known as the '''Screen Act''') is a bill that pushes for Age verification. The Technology Verification measures listed in section 4 state that a covered platform should adopt and utilize age verification measures, and that such measures must ensure that 1; '''users of the covered platform are not minors''' and 2; '''minors are prevented from accessing any content on the covered platform that is harmful to minors.'''
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|The Earn It Act quote "revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children" by limiting the "liability protections of interactive computer service providers(Encryption)", essentially making the Earn it Act an "anti-encryption", which is (for the most part) necessary to protect ones own important documents & maintain a level of privacy in the digital age.
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|The Kids Online Safety Act is one that quote "requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. ''Covered platforms'' are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions."
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|The Take It Down Act(stands for '''Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act''') is a law that prohibits the publication of "non-consensual" intimate visual depictions of individuals, both real or '''computer-generated''', and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence.", and such covered platforms are; public websites, online services, or applications that allows for user generated content on forums. Such a law could be & shouldn't be used as an excuse for censorship or otherwise prevention of free speech.
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|Real-life identity disclosure required to activate SIM cards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Mar 2026 |title=SIM Card Registration |url=https://privacyinternational.org/learn/sim-card-registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208124027/https://privacyinternational.org/learn/sim-card-registration |archive-date=2025-12-08 |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=[[Privacy International]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bischoff |first=Paul |date=2025-04-23 |title=Which governments impose SIM-card registration laws to collect data on their citizens? |url=https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-registration-laws/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ShIek |archive-date=2026-01-17 |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=[[Comparitech]]}}</ref>
|Many countries.
|People are required to associate their real-life identity with their SIM cards, making "burner phones" impossible, and making it impossible to access the cellular Internet without being tracked by the government. Additionally, this can be used to exclude political dissidents from accessing the Internet.
|Identity disclosure
|Approved in many countries over time.
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289498 Louisiana HB Bill/Act No. 440]
|Louisiana, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approve (Active since
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8250/all-info Congress H.R.8250]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Common license terms]]
*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-04-14T19:21:15Z

H0l0: added another piece of dumaa legislation

{{Incomplete|issue 1=needs general improvement of quality and quantity of information}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==
The US legislative process is as follows:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=23 Feb 2026 |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026 |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=[[United States House of Representatives]]}}</ref>

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2026 |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307171826/https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=[[Constitution Annotated]]}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2026 |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224165919/https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |date=28 Feb 2026 |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730145810/http://jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |archive-date=2024-07-30 |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill(now law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|Senate bill S. 737(also known as the '''Screen Act''') is a bill that pushes for Age verification. The Technology Verification measures listed in section 4 state that a covered platform should adopt and utilize age verification measures, and that such measures must ensure that 1; '''users of the covered platform are not minors''' and 2; '''minors are prevented from accessing any content on the covered platform that is harmful to minors.'''
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|The Earn It Act quote "revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children" by limiting the "liability protections of interactive computer service providers(Encryption)", essentially making the Earn it Act an "anti-encryption", which is (for the most part) necessary to protect ones own important documents & maintain a level of privacy in the digital age.
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|The Kids Online Safety Act is one that quote "requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. ''Covered platforms'' are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions."
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|The Take It Down Act(stands for '''Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act''') is a law that prohibits the publication of "non-consensual" intimate visual depictions of individuals, both real or '''computer-generated''', and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence.", and such covered platforms are; public websites, online services, or applications that allows for user generated content on forums. Such a law could be & shouldn't be used as an excuse for censorship or otherwise prevention of free speech.
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|Real-life identity disclosure required to activate SIM cards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Mar 2026 |title=SIM Card Registration |url=https://privacyinternational.org/learn/sim-card-registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208124027/https://privacyinternational.org/learn/sim-card-registration |archive-date=2025-12-08 |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=[[Privacy International]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bischoff |first=Paul |date=2025-04-23 |title=Which governments impose SIM-card registration laws to collect data on their citizens? |url=https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-registration-laws/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ShIek |archive-date=2026-01-17 |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=[[Comparitech]]}}</ref>
|Many countries.
|People are required to associate their real-life identity with their SIM cards, making "burner phones" impossible, and making it impossible to access the cellular Internet without being tracked by the government. Additionally, this can be used to exclude political dissidents from accessing the Internet.
|Identity disclosure
|Approved in many countries over time.
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289498 Louisiana HB Bill/Act No. 440]
|Louisiana, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approve (Active since
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8250/all-info Congress H.R.8250]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age indication
|Introduced
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Common license terms]]
*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Roblox

2026-04-14T19:16:34Z

H0l0: a small update on the whole "roblox+" stuff

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American gaming platform featuring user-generated games with microtransactions, primarily targeted towards children.
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Gaming
|Logo=Roblox.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roblox.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Roblox|'''Roblox''']] is an online platform which lets users create their own games, as well as all sorts of virtual items for their personal avatars. The platform is owned by the Roblox Corporation.

Users create games through Roblox Studio, an application separate from the Roblox Player. Roblox Studio can be used by a user to create digital backups of the games they create. These backups are stored on their hard drive and can not be altered by the Roblox Corporation.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201050040/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217144058/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref>
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them.
*'''Other information:''' The Roblox Corporation can terminate (delete) a user's account as long as they believe they are violating the Terms of Use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date= |title=Roblox Terms of Use |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120135232/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=20 Jan 2026|access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |page=Section 2}}</ref> Termination can not be revoked.<ref name=":1" /> A terminated user will lose all content they own on Roblox along with their account, including what they purchased with Robux.<ref name=":1" />

==Monetization==
Roblox is a free service which features microtransactions made with Robux, e.g. new accessories, clothing, exclusive content in certain games E.g gamepasses, and the ability to access certain games. All items purchased on Roblox are stored on Roblox servers alone, so Roblox has the ability to modify or delete the items you own. Deleted or moderated items do not guarantee a refund, even if user is not at fault. <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=Will I Get My Robux Back If I Delete/Do Not Like an Item? |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202060541/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

On September 9, 2021, Roblox launched an automated process for users to receive Robux back for items they had bought which had been deleted or otherwise moderated<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roblox Moderated Item Robux Policy |url=https://www.roblox.com/modcreditagreement/974158ba-99f0-4915-8fde-5b07b3cbbe09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/aEZB0 |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The Roblox company implemented this change after they got sued for first allowing items to be sold and then deleting them without compensating users that purchased said items<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe v. Roblox Corporation |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222145446/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. Until then, there was no refund method in place, meaning that if an item was deleted, Roblox would keep all of the profit they made of said item and sometimes all of the money made from selling said item if the creators account got terminated and the creator hadn't spent their Robux yet.

==Incidents==
===Inappropriate content===
Throughout the 2020s, Roblox has faced several controversies regarding child safety, including a lawsuit in 2020 over how the platform had allowed two adults to harass a 10-year-old girl, causing her mental health to deteriorate so badly that she resorted to suicide, according to her parents' testimony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Edwin |date=2025-08-15 |title=This list is the tip of the iceberg. So many cases go unreported, undetected, or contribute to the deaths of children. Below is one lawsuit in which a 10-year-old girl claimed abuse through Roblox. |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

On 14th August 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murrill |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-14 |title=Attorney General Liz Murrill on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1956081394083409932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=X}}</ref>, alleging child exploitation and the platforming of sexual predators on the platform. Roblox themselves released an official response to the lawsuit on 15th August 2025.

On 6 November 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Roblox, over child safety concerns, accusing the company of "deceiving parents about the dangers of its platform".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Ram |date=2025-11-07 |title=Texas AG sues Roblox, accusing it of prioritizing ‘pixel pedophiles’ over child safety |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |work=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206204009/https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Accusations of child labor===
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210010556/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |archive-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318185209/https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2023 |website=reuters.com}}</ref>

On the 24th of August 2025 the YouTube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938.

===Blocking Linux users===
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221184705/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216174353/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725105111/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175853/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221101707/https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128050139/https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250507192309/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |archive-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

===Problematic moderation===
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}}
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> including numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=17 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201024759/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221075424/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231190731/https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306023157/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-date=6 Mar 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Roblox-Sclep controversy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321141928/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |work=Wikipedia}}</ref>

According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903192622/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322154652/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>
===Condo games===
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217013725/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121406/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121193151/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation.

However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124002839/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts - Roblox - r35 |url=https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121444/https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed.

===Predator-hunting groups===
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321180741/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102194729/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children.

===ID & face scan age verification===
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115005623/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users Archived])</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202081813/https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212134643/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115161245/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260118060352/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat Archived])</ref> Said facial estimation is also required to use some features other than the chat, such as Roblox Studio's team create.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |first= |date=26 Mar 2026 |title=Age Requirements for Team Create in Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-requirements-for-team-create-in-studio/4539725 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

===Removal of 2D/Classic Faces===
On 27th January, 2026, Roblox announced via a DevForum post that they would be fully migrating all 2D faces to Dynamic Heads and removing 2D face and Classic Head support entirely. <ref>{{Cite web |last=GeneralRelish |first= |date=2026-01-27 |title=Completing the Dynamic Head Migration |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307020815/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Roblox Developer Forum}}</ref> Roblox claimed that all Dynamic Heads would have 1:1 parity with the original 2D faces, which was quickly pointed out as untrue across comments on the DevForum, with some users guessing that the majority of the new Dynamic Heads were AI generated. Roblox previously supported Classic Heads with 2D faces, the majority of these heads were paid cosmetics sold under the pretense that support for them would continue. With this update, Roblox has discontinued support for this paid product, changing the terms of the sale after consumers purchased it.

On 5th March, 2026, Roblox amended the DevForum post claiming that they would work with Kestrel, a well known UGC brand on the Roblox platform, to review the 1:1 migration of 2D faces. On 23rd March, 2026, Roblox fully rolled out the update, releasing sub-standard 3D heads and removing 2D faces and Classic Heads. Kestrel's Creative Director Ana went on X (Formerly Twitter) to state that Roblox had released the update without consulting Kestrel in any way, and that Roblox had released the update early. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ana |first= |date=2026-03-23 |title=Ana on X: |url=https://x.com/Anareloux/status/2036175481624486264 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=X}}</ref> This led to several users on the DevForum to believe that Kestrel had approved of the update, damaging Kestrel's reputation.

===Requiring a Roblox+ subscription in order to publish games===
On the 13th of April, 2026, Roblox had announced an update taking effect on May 19th that would '''require''' game publishers to "have an active Roblox+ subscription" in order to publish games and '''keep them up''' for others to experience, along with other restrictions if the game is intended to be played by an audience of all age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tornow |first=Nick |date=12 Apr 2026 |title=New standards to publish games on Roblox are coming soon |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=033GBcpcmxc |access-date=14 Apr 2026 |website=Youtube |publisher=[[Roblox]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=NikT |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=New Publishing Requirements & Evaluation Process for Games |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166 |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> It was initially announced in the unlisted video that "people with more than 100 hours of playtime on their projects" would receive up to 6 months of a free Roblox+ subscription. Hours later, however, people began to report incidents of their eligibility being revoked from them, despite having met the presented requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=pe9h |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=Comment #2597 on the initial announcement page for new publishing requirements |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166/2597 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=nukesplash |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=Comment #2618 on the initial announcement page for new publishing requirements |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166/2618 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Illinois_Roadbuff |date=14 Apr 2026 |title=Comment #2739 on the initial announcement page for new publishing requirements |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166/2739 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iepurasul_unic |date=14 Apr 2026 |title=Eligibility for 6-month free Plus grant disappeared despite meeting 100h requirement |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/eligibility-for-6-month-free-plus-grant-disappeared-despite-meeting-100h-requirement/4576708 |access-date=2026-04-14 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

====List of all current publishing restrictions:====
*Having to be ID-verified
*Having 2-Factor-Authentification(2FA) on
*Having an active Roblox Plus subscription
*Having your game complete a new evaluation process involving "player reports & signals".

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Roblox

2026-04-13T20:14:19Z

H0l0:

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American gaming platform featuring user-generated games with microtransactions, primarily targeted towards children.
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Gaming
|Logo=Roblox.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roblox.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Roblox|'''Roblox''']] is an online platform which lets users create their own games, as well as all sorts of virtual items for their personal avatars. The platform is owned by the Roblox Corporation.

Users create games through Roblox Studio, an application separate from the Roblox Player. Roblox Studio can be used by a user to create digital backups of the games they create. These backups are stored on their hard drive and can not be altered by the Roblox Corporation.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201050040/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217144058/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref>
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them.
*'''Other information:''' The Roblox Corporation can terminate (delete) a user's account as long as they believe they are violating the Terms of Use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date= |title=Roblox Terms of Use |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120135232/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=20 Jan 2026|access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |page=Section 2}}</ref> Termination can not be revoked.<ref name=":1" /> A terminated user will lose all content they own on Roblox along with their account, including what they purchased with Robux.<ref name=":1" />

==Monetization==
Roblox is a free service which features microtransactions made with Robux, e.g. new accessories, clothing, exclusive content in certain games E.g gamepasses, and the ability to access certain games. All items purchased on Roblox are stored on Roblox servers alone, so Roblox has the ability to modify or delete the items you own. Deleted or moderated items do not guarantee a refund, even if user is not at fault. <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=Will I Get My Robux Back If I Delete/Do Not Like an Item? |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202060541/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

On September 9, 2021, Roblox launched an automated process for users to receive Robux back for items they had bought which had been deleted or otherwise moderated<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roblox Moderated Item Robux Policy |url=https://www.roblox.com/modcreditagreement/974158ba-99f0-4915-8fde-5b07b3cbbe09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/aEZB0 |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The Roblox company implemented this change after they got sued for first allowing items to be sold and then deleting them without compensating users that purchased said items<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe v. Roblox Corporation |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222145446/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. Until then, there was no refund method in place, meaning that if an item was deleted, Roblox would keep all of the profit they made of said item and sometimes all of the money made from selling said item if the creators account got terminated and the creator hadn't spent their Robux yet.

==Incidents==
===Inappropriate content===
Throughout the 2020s, Roblox has faced several controversies regarding child safety, including a lawsuit in 2020 over how the platform had allowed two adults to harass a 10-year-old girl, causing her mental health to deteriorate so badly that she resorted to suicide, according to her parents' testimony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Edwin |date=2025-08-15 |title=This list is the tip of the iceberg. So many cases go unreported, undetected, or contribute to the deaths of children. Below is one lawsuit in which a 10-year-old girl claimed abuse through Roblox. |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

On 14th August 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murrill |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-14 |title=Attorney General Liz Murrill on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1956081394083409932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=X}}</ref>, alleging child exploitation and the platforming of sexual predators on the platform. Roblox themselves released an official response to the lawsuit on 15th August 2025.

On 6 November 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Roblox, over child safety concerns, accusing the company of "deceiving parents about the dangers of its platform".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Ram |date=2025-11-07 |title=Texas AG sues Roblox, accusing it of prioritizing ‘pixel pedophiles’ over child safety |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |work=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206204009/https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Accusations of child labor===
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210010556/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |archive-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318185209/https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2023 |website=reuters.com}}</ref>

On the 24th of August 2025 the YouTube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938.

===Blocking Linux users===
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221184705/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216174353/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725105111/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175853/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221101707/https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128050139/https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250507192309/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |archive-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

===Problematic moderation===
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}}
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> including numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=17 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201024759/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221075424/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231190731/https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306023157/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-date=6 Mar 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Roblox-Sclep controversy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321141928/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |work=Wikipedia}}</ref>

According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903192622/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322154652/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>
===Condo games===
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217013725/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121406/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121193151/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation.

However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124002839/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts - Roblox - r35 |url=https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121444/https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed.

===Predator-hunting groups===
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321180741/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102194729/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children.

===ID & face scan age verification===
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115005623/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users Archived])</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202081813/https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212134643/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115161245/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260118060352/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat Archived])</ref> Said facial estimation is also required to use some features other than the chat, such as Roblox Studio's team create.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |first= |date=26 Mar 2026 |title=Age Requirements for Team Create in Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-requirements-for-team-create-in-studio/4539725 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

===Removal of 2D/Classic Faces===
On 27th January, 2026, Roblox announced via a DevForum post that they would be fully migrating all 2D faces to Dynamic Heads and removing 2D face and Classic Head support entirely. <ref>{{Cite web |last=GeneralRelish |first= |date=2026-01-27 |title=Completing the Dynamic Head Migration |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307020815/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Roblox Developer Forum}}</ref> Roblox claimed that all Dynamic Heads would have 1:1 parity with the original 2D faces, which was quickly pointed out as untrue across comments on the DevForum, with some users guessing that the majority of the new Dynamic Heads were AI generated. Roblox previously supported Classic Heads with 2D faces, the majority of these heads were paid cosmetics sold under the pretense that support for them would continue. With this update, Roblox has discontinued support for this paid product, changing the terms of the sale after consumers purchased it.

On 5th March, 2026, Roblox amended the DevForum post claiming that they would work with Kestrel, a well known UGC brand on the Roblox platform, to review the 1:1 migration of 2D faces. On 23rd March, 2026, Roblox fully rolled out the update, releasing sub-standard 3D heads and removing 2D faces and Classic Heads. Kestrel's Creative Director Ana went on X (Formerly Twitter) to state that Roblox had released the update without consulting Kestrel in any way, and that Roblox had released the update early. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ana |first= |date=2026-03-23 |title=Ana on X: |url=https://x.com/Anareloux/status/2036175481624486264 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=X}}</ref> This led to several users on the DevForum to believe that Kestrel had approved of the update, damaging Kestrel's reputation.

===Requiring a Roblox+ subscription in order to publish games===
On the 13th of April, 2026, Roblox had announced an update taking effect on May 19th that would '''require''' game publishers to "have an active Roblox+ subscription" in order to publish games and '''keep them up''' for others to experience, along with other restrictions if the game is intended to be played by an audience of all age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NikT |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=New Publishing Requirements & Evaluation Process for Games |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166 |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

==== List of all current publishing restrictions: ====
*Having to be ID-verified
*Having 2-Factor-Authentification(2FA) on
*Having an active Roblox Plus subscription
*Having your game complete a new evaluation process involving "player reports & signals".

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

User:H0l0

2026-04-13T20:07:44Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[Anti-privacy legislation]](Made major contributions)
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations)
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages, put Wikipedia portions of the article in block quotes, added subsection under "Police Partnerships")
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices, added sub-section)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Roblox

2026-04-13T20:00:27Z

H0l0: added a new section regarding the new requirements for publishing and maintaining games

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American gaming platform featuring user-generated games with microtransactions, primarily targeted towards children.
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Gaming
|Logo=Roblox.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roblox.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Roblox|'''Roblox''']] is an online platform which lets users create their own games, as well as all sorts of virtual items for their personal avatars. The platform is owned by the Roblox Corporation.

Users create games through Roblox Studio, an application separate from the Roblox Player. Roblox Studio can be used by a user to create digital backups of the games they create. These backups are stored on their hard drive and can not be altered by the Roblox Corporation.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201050040/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217144058/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref>
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them.
*'''Other information:''' The Roblox Corporation can terminate (delete) a user's account as long as they believe they are violating the Terms of Use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date= |title=Roblox Terms of Use |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120135232/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=20 Jan 2026|access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |page=Section 2}}</ref> Termination can not be revoked.<ref name=":1" /> A terminated user will lose all content they own on Roblox along with their account, including what they purchased with Robux.<ref name=":1" />

==Monetization==
Roblox is a free service which features microtransactions made with Robux, e.g. new accessories, clothing, exclusive content in certain games E.g gamepasses, and the ability to access certain games. All items purchased on Roblox are stored on Roblox servers alone, so Roblox has the ability to modify or delete the items you own. Deleted or moderated items do not guarantee a refund, even if user is not at fault. <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=Will I Get My Robux Back If I Delete/Do Not Like an Item? |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202060541/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

On September 9, 2021, Roblox launched an automated process for users to receive Robux back for items they had bought which had been deleted or otherwise moderated<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roblox Moderated Item Robux Policy |url=https://www.roblox.com/modcreditagreement/974158ba-99f0-4915-8fde-5b07b3cbbe09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/aEZB0 |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The Roblox company implemented this change after they got sued for first allowing items to be sold and then deleting them without compensating users that purchased said items<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe v. Roblox Corporation |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222145446/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. Until then, there was no refund method in place, meaning that if an item was deleted, Roblox would keep all of the profit they made of said item and sometimes all of the money made from selling said item if the creators account got terminated and the creator hadn't spent their Robux yet.

==Incidents==
===Inappropriate content===
Throughout the 2020s, Roblox has faced several controversies regarding child safety, including a lawsuit in 2020 over how the platform had allowed two adults to harass a 10-year-old girl, causing her mental health to deteriorate so badly that she resorted to suicide, according to her parents' testimony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Edwin |date=2025-08-15 |title=This list is the tip of the iceberg. So many cases go unreported, undetected, or contribute to the deaths of children. Below is one lawsuit in which a 10-year-old girl claimed abuse through Roblox. |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

On 14th August 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murrill |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-14 |title=Attorney General Liz Murrill on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1956081394083409932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=X}}</ref>, alleging child exploitation and the platforming of sexual predators on the platform. Roblox themselves released an official response to the lawsuit on 15th August 2025.

On 6 November 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Roblox, over child safety concerns, accusing the company of "deceiving parents about the dangers of its platform".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Ram |date=2025-11-07 |title=Texas AG sues Roblox, accusing it of prioritizing ‘pixel pedophiles’ over child safety |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |work=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206204009/https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Accusations of child labor===
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210010556/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |archive-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318185209/https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2023 |website=reuters.com}}</ref>

On the 24th of August 2025 the YouTube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938.

===Blocking Linux users===
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221184705/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216174353/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725105111/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175853/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221101707/https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128050139/https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250507192309/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |archive-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

===Problematic moderation===
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}}
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> including numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=17 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201024759/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221075424/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231190731/https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306023157/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-date=6 Mar 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Roblox-Sclep controversy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321141928/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |work=Wikipedia}}</ref>

According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903192622/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322154652/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>
===Condo games===
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217013725/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121406/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121193151/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation.

However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124002839/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts - Roblox - r35 |url=https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121444/https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed.

===Predator-hunting groups===
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321180741/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102194729/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children.

===ID & face scan age verification===
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115005623/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users Archived])</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202081813/https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212134643/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115161245/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260118060352/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat Archived])</ref> Said facial estimation is also required to use some features other than the chat, such as Roblox Studio's team create.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |first= |date=26 Mar 2026 |title=Age Requirements for Team Create in Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-requirements-for-team-create-in-studio/4539725 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

===Removal of 2D/Classic Faces===
On 27th January, 2026, Roblox announced via a DevForum post that they would be fully migrating all 2D faces to Dynamic Heads and removing 2D face and Classic Head support entirely. <ref>{{Cite web |last=GeneralRelish |first= |date=2026-01-27 |title=Completing the Dynamic Head Migration |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307020815/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Roblox Developer Forum}}</ref> Roblox claimed that all Dynamic Heads would have 1:1 parity with the original 2D faces, which was quickly pointed out as untrue across comments on the DevForum, with some users guessing that the majority of the new Dynamic Heads were AI generated. Roblox previously supported Classic Heads with 2D faces, the majority of these heads were paid cosmetics sold under the pretense that support for them would continue. With this update, Roblox has discontinued support for this paid product, changing the terms of the sale after consumers purchased it.

On 5th March, 2026, Roblox amended the DevForum post claiming that they would work with Kestrel, a well known UGC brand on the Roblox platform, to review the 1:1 migration of 2D faces. On 23rd March, 2026, Roblox fully rolled out the update, releasing sub-standard 3D heads and removing 2D faces and Classic Heads. Kestrel's Creative Director Ana went on X (Formerly Twitter) to state that Roblox had released the update without consulting Kestrel in any way, and that Roblox had released the update early. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ana |first= |date=2026-03-23 |title=Ana on X: |url=https://x.com/Anareloux/status/2036175481624486264 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=X}}</ref> This led to several users on the DevForum to believe that Kestrel had approved of the update, damaging Kestrel's reputation.

=== Requiring a Roblox+ subscription in order to publish games ===
On the 13th of April, 2026, Roblox had announced an update taking effect on May 19th that would '''require''' game publishers to "have an active Roblox+ subscription" in order to publish games and '''keep them up''' for others to experience, along with other restrictions if the game is intended to be played by an audience of all age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NikT |date=13 Apr 2026 |title=New Publishing Requirements & Evaluation Process for Games |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/new-publishing-requirements-evaluation-process-for-games/4573166 |access-date=2026-04-13 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> Such "other restrictions" include:

* Having to be ID-verified
* Having 2-Factor-Authentification(2FA) on

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Flock Safety Nova uses dark web data for surveillance

2026-04-08T22:21:34Z

H0l0: removed several red links and replaced them with bolded versions of the display text shown so folks can easily come back and add them as actual pages once they exist

{{#seo:
|description=Flock Safety's Nova platform planned to use data breach information for law enforcement surveillance, as revealed by leaked internal communications in 2025.
}}{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Flock Safety
|StartDate=2025-05-14
|Status=Pending Resolution
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Surveillance,Privacy
|Description=Flock Safety's Nova platform planned to ingest data breach records for police surveillance; code analysis found dark web data fields present
}}In May 2025, leaked internal communications revealed that '''[[Flock Safety]]''', a $7.5 billion surveillance technology company, planned to incorporate data from known data breaches into its Nova law enforcement platform, allowing police to link license plate scans to personal information obtained from hacked databases.<ref name="404media-nova">{{Cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/license-plate-reader-company-flock-is-building-a-massive-people-lookup-tool-leak-shows/ |title=License Plate Reader Company Flock Is Building a Massive People Lookup Tool, Leak Shows |author=Joseph Cox |date=2025-05-14 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=404 Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514140531/https://www.404media.co/license-plate-reader-company-flock-is-building-a-massive-people-lookup-tool-leak-shows/ |archive-date=2025-05-14}}</ref> After the leak, Flock told employees at an all-hands meeting that it would not use dark web data, and published a blog post titled "Correcting the Record."<ref name="404media-decision">{{Cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/flock-decides-not-to-use-hacked-data-in-people-search-tool/ |title=Flock Decides Not to Use Hacked Data in People Search Tool |author=Joseph Cox |author2=Jason Koebler |date=2025-05-30 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=404 Media}}</ref> A December 2025 analysis of Nova's front-end code found that the platform still defined a "Dark Data" source with fields for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and cryptocurrency wallets.<ref name="nexanet-code">{{Cite web |url=https://nexanet.ai/blog/license-plate-reader-company-flock-said-it-does-not-use-dark-web-data-my-analysis-of-their-code-tells-a-different-story |title=License Plate Reader Company Flock Said It Does Not Use Dark Web Data. My Analysis of Their Code Tells a Different Story |author=Joshua |date=2025-12-11 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=NexaNet}}</ref>

==Background==

Flock Safety is an '''automated license plate recognition''' (ALPR) company founded in 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref name="flock-funding" /> The company manufactures solar-powered cameras that photograph passing vehicles and read their license plates using computer vision, operating in over 5,000 communities across 49 U.S. states as of 2025.<ref name="404media-nova" /> In March 2025, Flock raised $275 million at a $7.5 billion valuation led by Andreessen Horowitz.<ref name="flock-funding">{{Cite web |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |title=Accelerating Innovation: Flock Secures $275 Million to Advance Crime-Solving Technology |date=2025-03-13 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Flock Safety}}</ref>

On February 13, 2025, Flock announced Nova, a data integration platform designed to combine ALPR data with records from computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, records management systems (RMS), and open-source intelligence (OSINT) into a single searchable interface for law enforcement.<ref name="globenewswire-nova">{{Cite web |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/13/3025813/0/en/Flock-Safety-Reveals-the-Most-Expansive-AI-and-Data-Analysis-Toolset-for-Law-Enforcement-Including-Flock-Nova-A-New-Platform-To-Transform-Investigations.html |title=Flock Safety Reveals the Most Expansive AI and Data Analysis Toolset for Law Enforcement, Including Flock Nova |date=2025-02-13 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GlobeNewsWire}}</ref> A Flock employee described the tool's capability: "You're going to be able to access data and jump from LPR to person and understand what that context is, link to other people that are related to that person [...] marriage or through gang affiliation, et cetera."<ref name="404media-nova" /> Internal communications indicated that Nova supported 20 different data sources that agencies could toggle on or off.<ref name="404media-nova" /> Flock said the tool was already being used by some law enforcement agencies in an early access program.<ref name="404media-nova" />

==Dark web data controversy==

On May 14, 2025, 404 Media published an investigation based on leaked meeting audio, Slack messages, and internal presentations from Flock Safety.<ref name="404media-nova" /> The report revealed that Flock employees had raised concerns about Nova incorporating data sourced from known data breaches.

One employee wrote in a Slack message: "I was pretty horrified to hear we use stolen data in our system. In addition to being attained illegally, it seems like that could create really perverse incentives."<ref name="404media-decision" /> In meeting audio obtained by 404 Media, an employee described three categories of data that would supplement Flock's ALPR records: data from breaches, commercially available data from credit bureaus, and public records.<ref name="404media-nova" />

The employee specifically cited the '''Parkmobile''' data breach as one source Nova would ingest. In March 2021, ParkMobile, a mobile parking payment app, suffered a breach that exposed the personal data of 21 million customers, including email addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, dates of birth, and mailing addresses.<ref name="krebs-parkmobile">{{Cite web |url=https://krebsonsecurity.com/2021/04/parkmobile-breach-exposes-license-plate-data-mobile-numbers-of-21m-users/ |title=ParkMobile Breach Exposes License Plate Data, Mobile Numbers of 21M Users |author=Brian Krebs |date=2021-04-12 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Krebs on Security}}</ref> That breach data appeared on a public hacking forum the following month.<ref name="krebs-parkmobile" /> ParkMobile later agreed to a $32.8 million class action settlement.<ref name="parkmobile-settlement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/parkmobile-pays-1-each-for-2021-data-breach-that-hit-22-million/ |title=ParkMobile pays... $1 each for 2021 data breach that hit 22 million |date=2025-10-05 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=BleepingComputer}}</ref> The employee explained that Nova would ingest this data so that "we're now able to make that cognitive leap from LPR to person."<ref name="404media-nova" />

The employee also named credit bureaus Equifax and TransUnion as sources of commercially available data, noting that some companies repackage customer information and sell it to law enforcement or data brokers.<ref name="404media-nova" /> The third category, public records, included marriage licenses, property records, and campaign finance records. Nova would also pull from law enforcement RMS and CAD systems.<ref name="404media-nova" />

===Code analysis===

In December 2025, an independent analysis of Nova's front-end code found that the platform still contained an active "Dark Data" data source, contradicting Flock's public statements.<ref name="nexanet-code" /> The search configuration registered Dark Data with an API endpoint at <code>dark/getExtDarkData</code>, storing results in a <code>darkDocs</code> bucket gated by a <code>hasDarkDataAccess</code> permission flag.<ref name="nexanet-code" />

The code exposed a search interface with input fields for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, cryptocurrency wallet addresses, IP addresses, Discord and Telegram handles, and email addresses.<ref name="nexanet-code" /> API response columns included "Crawl Date," "Leak Name," "Leak Host," and "Download Location," terminology consistent with data breach aggregation rather than public records databases.<ref name="nexanet-code" /> Standard phone searches automatically called the Dark Data endpoint when permissions were enabled.<ref name="nexanet-code" />

===Flock Safety's response===

On May 30, 2025, Flock held an all-hands meeting where it told employees that Nova would not include dark web data.<ref name="404media-decision" /> An executive stated: "We took this concept of using dark web data in Nova and explored it... Then we ran it through our policy review process."<ref name="404media-decision" /> That same day, the company published a blog post titled "Correcting the Record: Flock Nova Will Not Supply Dark Web Data."<ref name="flock-blog">{{Cite web |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/correcting-the-record-flock-nova-will-not-supply-dark-web-data |title=Correcting the Record: Flock Nova Will Not Supply Dark Web Data |date=2025-05-30 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/8pT1g |archive-date=2026-03-18}}</ref>

Holly Beilin, Flock's Director of Communications, told GovTech: "We explored sourcing dark web data, but decided not to do so." She added that the leaked information "was reported prematurely, during the period when the team was still determining exactly what sources Nova would utilize."<ref name="govtech">{{Cite web |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-safety-pushes-back-on-data-breach-product-criticism |title=Flock Safety Pushes Back on Data Breach Product Criticism |author=Thad Rueter |date=2025-05-30 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GovTech |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227114115/https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-safety-pushes-back-on-data-breach-product-criticism |archive-date=2026-02-27}}</ref>

In its blog post, Flock stated that Nova would supply only public records, open-source intelligence, and license plate reader data.<ref name="flock-blog" /> Agencies could also connect their own RMS, CAD, and jail system data, as well as data from other agencies that agreed to share.<ref name="flock-blog" /> The company described a Policy Evaluation process led by its internal policy team of attorneys and product leaders, covering "legal, ethical, privacy, public opinion, and feasibility considerations."<ref name="flock-blog" /> Flock also stated that all actions within Nova are permanently recorded in an audit trail.<ref name="flock-blog" />

==Consumer response==

Multiple civil liberties organizations criticized the Nova platform after the 404 Media investigation.

Beryl Lipton, Senior Investigative Researcher at the '''Electric Frontier Foundation''' (EFF), told 404 Media: "Flock has hundreds of customers, both law enforcement and private residents. This development will certainly help to bring expanded surveillance powers to police departments of all sizes that never needed this much information on any random person who happens to drive by."<ref name="404media-nova" />

Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst at the '''ACLU'''<nowiki/>'s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, stated: "[At] this moment in history, of all times, you especially don't want to be building authoritarian spying structures for law enforcement." He added: "People are being literally put behind bars for writing an op-ed," referring to Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was detained by ICE on March 25, 2025, and held for approximately six weeks before a federal judge ordered her release on May 9, 2025, finding that her arrest appeared retaliatory for an op-ed she co-authored in a campus newspaper.<ref name="404media-nova" /><ref name="npr-ozturk">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5393055/tufts-student-rumeysa-ozturk-ordered-freed-from-immigration-detention |title=Tufts graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk released from immigration detention |date=2025-05-09 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=NPR}}</ref>

Michael Soyfer, an attorney at the '''Institute for Justice''', said: "Backed by billions of dollars in capital, it's working with police departments across the country to build out a massive database of people's movements and locations. All an officer or another government employee needs to do to access that database is type in a search, provide some generic reason, and hit enter." He added: "Flock's constant announcements of new and more invasive features just reinforces the need for a warrant requirement."<ref name="404media-nova" />

Chad Marlow, senior policy counsel at the ACLU, told 404 Media: "It is quite troubling that Flock ALPRs are designed to produce a massive overload of surveillance data by gathering and sharing ALPR data nationwide, and now they are marketing a product to help the police deal with the data overload they created."<ref name="404media-nova" />

===Congressional and legal response===

The Nova controversy coincided with growing congressional and legal scrutiny of Flock Safety. In November 2025, Senator '''Ron Wyden''' and Representative '''Raja Krishnamoorthi''' sent a letter to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson urging an investigation into Flock's cybersecurity practices, citing the company's failure to require multi-factor authentication and the theft of at least 35 Flock customer accounts through infostealer malware.<ref name="wyden-ftc">{{Cite web |url=https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-senator-wyden-urge-ftc-investigate-surveillance |title=Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Senator Wyden Urge FTC to Investigate Surveillance Tech Companies |date=2025-11-03 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Office of U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi}}</ref> Earlier, in August 2025, Representatives Krishnamoorthi and Robert Garcia had launched a congressional investigation into Flock after reports that its ALPR data was being used for immigration enforcement and to track women crossing state lines for reproductive healthcare.<ref name="eff-2025-review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/12/effs-investigations-expose-flock-safetys-surveillance-abuses-2025-review |title=EFF's Investigations Expose Flock Safety's Surveillance Abuses: 2025 in Review |date=2025-12-31 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref>

The EFF and ACLU of Northern California filed a lawsuit challenging the San Jose Police Department's use of Flock cameras, documenting 3,965,519 warrantless searches of the Flock database between June 2024 and June 2025.<ref name="eff-2025-review" /><ref name="eff-san-jose">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/press/releases/lawsuit-challenges-san-joses-warrantless-alpr-mass-surveillance |title=Lawsuit Challenges San Jose's Warrantless ALPR Mass Surveillance |date=2025-11-18 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref> In February 2026, Gibbs Mura filed a class action lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court alleging that Flock illegally shared California license plate data with federal and out-of-state agencies more than 1.6 million times, violating California's ALPR Privacy Act.<ref name="gibbs-mura">{{Cite web |url=https://www.classlawgroup.com/flock-safety-license-plate-reader-cameras-lawsuit |title=Flock Safety License Plate Reader Cameras Lawsuit |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Gibbs Mura, A Law Group}}</ref>

In October 2025, Amazon's Ring announced a partnership with Flock Safety that would allow Ring doorbell camera owners to share footage with law enforcement agencies using Flock's platforms through Ring's Community Requests program. The partnership was cancelled in February 2026 after public backlash.<ref name="ring-cancellation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/amazons-ring-cancels-flock-partnership-amid-super-bowl-ad-backlash.html |title=Amazon's Ring cancels Flock partnership amid Super Bowl ad backlash |date=2026-02-12 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=CNBC}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Flock Safety]]
[[Category:Surveillance]]
[[Category:Privacy]]

Roblox

2026-04-08T22:12:10Z

H0l0: fixed red link and added a small sentence to the end of the section "ID & face scan age verification

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American gaming platform featuring user-generated games with microtransactions, primarily targeted towards children.
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Gaming
|Logo=Roblox.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roblox.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Roblox|'''Roblox''']] is an online platform which lets users create their own games, as well as all sorts of virtual items for their personal avatars. The platform is owned by the Roblox Corporation.

Users create games through Roblox Studio, an application separate from the Roblox Player. Roblox Studio can be used by a user to create digital backups of the games they create. These backups are stored on their hard drive and can not be altered by the Roblox Corporation.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201050040/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217144058/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref>
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them.
*'''Other information:''' The Roblox Corporation can terminate (delete) a user's account as long as they believe they are violating the Terms of Use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date= |title=Roblox Terms of Use |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120135232/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=20 Jan 2026|access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |page=Section 2}}</ref> Termination can not be revoked.<ref name=":1" /> A terminated user will lose all content they own on Roblox along with their account, including what they purchased with Robux.<ref name=":1" />

==Monetization==
Roblox is a free service which features microtransactions made with Robux, e.g. new accessories, clothing, exclusive content in certain games E.g gamepasses, and the ability to access certain games. All items purchased on Roblox are stored on Roblox servers alone, so Roblox has the ability to modify or delete the items you own. Deleted or moderated items do not guarantee a refund, even if user is not at fault. <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=Will I Get My Robux Back If I Delete/Do Not Like an Item? |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202060541/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

On September 9, 2021, Roblox launched an automated process for users to receive Robux back for items they had bought which had been deleted or otherwise moderated<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roblox Moderated Item Robux Policy |url=https://www.roblox.com/modcreditagreement/974158ba-99f0-4915-8fde-5b07b3cbbe09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/aEZB0 |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The Roblox company implemented this change after they got sued for first allowing items to be sold and then deleting them without compensating users that purchased said items<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe v. Roblox Corporation |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222145446/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. Until then, there was no refund method in place, meaning that if an item was deleted, Roblox would keep all of the profit they made of said item and sometimes all of the money made from selling said item if the creators account got terminated and the creator hadn't spent their Robux yet.

==Incidents==
===Inappropriate content===
Throughout the 2020s, Roblox has faced several controversies regarding child safety, including a lawsuit in 2020 over how the platform had allowed two adults to harass a 10-year-old girl, causing her mental health to deteriorate so badly that she resorted to suicide, according to her parents' testimony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Edwin |date=2025-08-15 |title=This list is the tip of the iceberg. So many cases go unreported, undetected, or contribute to the deaths of children. Below is one lawsuit in which a 10-year-old girl claimed abuse through Roblox. |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

On 14th August 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murrill |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-14 |title=Attorney General Liz Murrill on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1956081394083409932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=X}}</ref>, alleging child exploitation and the platforming of sexual predators on the platform. Roblox themselves released an official response to the lawsuit on 15th August 2025.

On 6 November 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Roblox, over child safety concerns, accusing the company of "deceiving parents about the dangers of its platform".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Ram |date=2025-11-07 |title=Texas AG sues Roblox, accusing it of prioritizing ‘pixel pedophiles’ over child safety |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |work=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206204009/https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Accusations of child labor===
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210010556/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |archive-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318185209/https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2023 |website=reuters.com}}</ref>

On the 24th of August 2025 the YouTube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938.

===Blocking Linux users===
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221184705/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216174353/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725105111/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175853/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221101707/https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128050139/https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250507192309/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |archive-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

===Problematic moderation===
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}}
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> including numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=17 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201024759/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221075424/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231190731/https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306023157/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-date=6 Mar 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Roblox-Sclep controversy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321141928/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |work=Wikipedia}}</ref>

According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903192622/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322154652/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>
===Condo games===
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217013725/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121406/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121193151/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation.

However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124002839/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts - Roblox - r35 |url=https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121444/https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed.

===Predator-hunting groups===
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321180741/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102194729/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children.

===ID & face scan age verification===
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115005623/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users Archived])</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202081813/https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212134643/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115161245/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260118060352/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat Archived])</ref> Said facial estimation is also required to use some features other than the chat, such as Roblox Studio's team create.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |first= |date=26 Mar 2026 |title=Age Requirements for Team Create in Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-requirements-for-team-create-in-studio/4539725 |access-date=2026-04-08 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref>

===Removal of 2D/Classic Faces===
On 27th January, 2026, Roblox announced via a DevForum post that they would be fully migrating all 2D faces to Dynamic Heads and removing 2D face and Classic Head support entirely. <ref>{{Cite web |last=GeneralRelish |first= |date=2026-01-27 |title=Completing the Dynamic Head Migration |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307020815/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Roblox Developer Forum}}</ref> Roblox claimed that all Dynamic Heads would have 1:1 parity with the original 2D faces, which was quickly pointed out as untrue across comments on the DevForum, with some users guessing that the majority of the new Dynamic Heads were AI generated. Roblox previously supported Classic Heads with 2D faces, the majority of these heads were paid cosmetics sold under the pretense that support for them would continue. With this update, Roblox has discontinued support for this paid product, changing the terms of the sale after consumers purchased it.

On 5th March, 2026, Roblox amended the DevForum post claiming that they would work with Kestrel, a well known UGC brand on the Roblox platform, to review the 1:1 migration of 2D faces. On 23rd March, 2026, Roblox fully rolled out the update, releasing sub-standard 3D heads and removing 2D faces and Classic Heads. Kestrel's Creative Director Ana went on X (Formerly Twitter) to state that Roblox had released the update without consulting Kestrel in any way, and that Roblox had released the update early. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ana |first= |date=2026-03-23 |title=Ana on X: |url=https://x.com/Anareloux/status/2036175481624486264 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=X}}</ref> This led to several users on the DevForum to believe that Kestrel had approved of the update, damaging Kestrel's reputation.

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-08T19:46:34Z

H0l0: moved the sim card part of the table up, converted 2 citations used, added another category in "further reading"

{{Incomplete|issue 1=needs general improvement of quality and quantity of information}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==
The US legislative process is as follows:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref>

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill(now law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|Senate bill S. 737(also known as the '''Screen Act''') is a bill that pushes for Age verification. The Technology Verification measures listed in section 4 state that a covered platform should adopt and utilize age verification measures, and that such measures must ensure that 1; '''users of the covered platform are not minors''' and 2; '''minors are prevented from accessing any content on the covered platform that is harmful to minors.'''
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|The Earn It Act quote "revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children" by limiting the "liability protections of interactive computer service providers(Encryption)", essentially making the Earn it Act an "anti-encryption", which is (for the most part) necessary to protect ones own important documents & maintain a level of privacy in the digital age.
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|The Kids Online Safety Act is one that quote "requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. ''Covered platforms'' are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions."
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|The Take It Down Act(stands for '''Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act''') is a law that prohibits the publication of "non-consensual" intimate visual depictions of individuals, both real or '''computer-generated''', and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence.", and such covered platforms are; public websites, online services, or applications that allows for user generated content on forums. Such a law could be & shouldn't be used as an excuse for censorship or otherwise prevention of free speech.
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|Real-life identity disclosure required to activate SIM cards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SIM Card Registration |url=https://privacyinternational.org/learn/sim-card-registration |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=Privacy International}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bischoff |first=Paul |title=Which governments impose SIM-card registration laws to collect data on their citizens? |url=https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/sim-card-registration-laws/ |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=Comparitech}}</ref>
|Many countries.
|People are required to associate their real-life identity with their SIM cards, making "burner phones" impossible, and making it impossible to access the cellular Internet without being tracked by the government. Additionally, this can be used to exclude political dissidents from accessing the Internet.
|Identity disclosure
|Approved in many countries over time.
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289498 Louisiana HB Bill/Act No. 440]
|Louisiana, U.S
|
|Age Verification
|Approve (Active since
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|-
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Common license terms]]
*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-05T23:01:35Z

H0l0: added some summaries

{{Incomplete|issue 1=needs general improvement of quality and quantity of information}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==
The US legislative process is as follows:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref>

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill(now law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|Senate bill S. 737(also known as the '''Screen Act''') is a bill that pushes for Age verification. The Technology Verification measures listed in section 4 state that a covered platform should adopt and utilize age verification measures, and that such measures must ensure that 1; '''users of the covered platform are not minors''' and 2; '''minors are prevented from accessing any content on the covered platform that is harmful to minors.'''
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|The Earn It Act quote "revises the federal framework governing the prevention of online sexual exploitation of children" by limiting the "liability protections of interactive computer service providers(Encryption)", essentially making the Earn it Act an "anti-encryption", which is (for the most part) necessary to protect ones own important documents & maintain a level of privacy in the digital age.
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|The Kids Online Safety Act is one that quote "requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. ''Covered platforms'' are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions."
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|The Take It Down Act(stands for '''Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act''') is a law that prohibits the publication of "non-consensual" intimate visual depictions of individuals, both real or '''computer-generated''', and requires certain online platforms to promptly remove such depictions upon receiving notice of their existence.", and such covered platforms are; public websites, online services, or applications that allows for user generated content on forums. Such a law could be & shouldn't be used as an excuse for censorship or otherwise prevention of free speech.
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1289498 Louisiana HB Bill/Act No. 440]
|Louisiana, U.S
|
|Age Verification
|Approve (Active since
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Flock Safety

2026-03-04T20:53:39Z

H0l0:

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2017
|Industry=Surveillance Technology
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com,
|Description=Flock Safety is an American surveillance technology company that develops and operates a mass surveillance system combining automated license plate readers (LPRs), video surveillance cameras, gunshot detection, drones, and data analytics platforms used by thousands of law enforcement agencies and private entities across the United States.
|Logo=Flock Safety Logo (2025).svg
}}

'''{{Wplink|Flock Safety}}''' is a technology company that creates and operates an extensive surveillance network using automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and related technologies.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=23 Oct 2025 |title=Highlights from Denver's Flock camera town hall – Mayor didn't show up |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |access-date=30 Oct 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |type=Video |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Flock was founded in 2017 by Georgia Tech alumni Garrett Langley (CEO), Matt Feury (CTO), and Paige Todd (CPO), beginning as a side project where they built their first surveillance cameras by hand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edmonson |first=Crystal |title=Flock Safety cameras help police amid worker shortage, CEO Garrett Langley says |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/08/22/flock-safety-cameras-police-shortage-langley.html |url-access=subscription |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle |date=22 Aug 2023 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= }}</ref> The company operates on a "surveillance as a service" business model, owning and maintaining camera infrastructure while charging recurring fees to law enforcement agencies, private communities, and businesses for access to its surveillance data and network.<ref name="FlockFunding">{{Cite web |title=Accelerating Innovation: Flock Secures $275 Million to Advance Crime-Solving Technology |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |website=Flock Safety |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220945/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

As of mid-2025, independent reporting and public records indicate the Flock network comprised more than 80,000 AI-enabled cameras nationwide.<ref name="Koebler2025">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Flock's materials state deployments in roughly 5,000 communities, and the company reports the system processes "over 20 billion" vehicle scans per month; these latter two figures are company-provided and should be read as Flock's claims rather than independently verified totals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Leaders Choose Flock Safety: A Proven, Community-Focused Public Safety Solution |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |website=Flock Safety |date=28 May 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221008/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Real-Time Vehicle Leads, Nationwide |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221124/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=FlockOS |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221144/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

The company reported surpassing roughly $300 million in annual recurring revenue. In March 2025, it closed a $275 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, which independent reporting estimated valued the company at about $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Krystal |title=US startup Flock Safety raises $275 million to fund manufacturing plant, R&D |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-startup-flock-safety-raises-275-million-fund-manufacturing-plant-rd-2025-03-13/ |website=Reuters |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/JaV0t |archive-date=13 Mar 2025}}</ref> As of 2025, the company has raised a total of $957.5 million in funding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=MacBride |first=Elizabeth |title=Flock Safety: 2025 CNBC Disruptor 50 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |website=CNBC |date=10 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612102045/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |archive-date=12 Jun 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
===Privacy===
Critics, including civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that Flock's mass surveillance network violates privacy rights and represents a form of constant public monitoring that differs fundamentally from traditional, fleeting police observation.<ref name="ACLUStanley">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock's Aggressive Expansions Go Far Beyond Simple Driver Surveillance |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819025249/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref> A lawsuit filed in 2024 challenges the constitutionality of warrant-less searches of ALPR databases; courts have split on the issue in different jurisdictions, and rulings continue to be appealed. For example, a federal complaint in ''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (E.D. Va.) alleges repeated location logging by ALPRs, while appellate activity in related Virginia cases continued into 2025. Readers should consult the cited court documents and reporting for further developments.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Collier |first=Kevin |title=Police cameras tracked one driver 526 times in four months, lawsuit says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |website=NBC News |date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918133508/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Flock Applauds Virginia Court of Appeals Ruling Affirming Constitutionality of LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |website=Flock Safety |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221255/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The system does not offer a public opt-out mechanism.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement |url=https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |website=University of Washington Center for Human Rights
|date=21 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251113234912/https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref> This raised concerns about the potential for misuse, profiling, and long-term monitoring of individuals and their associations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025}}</ref>

Specific privacy violations include:
*Warrant-less tracking and data sharing: Flock's business model enables a nationwide data-sharing network that allows thousands of law enforcement agencies to access location data without warrants or reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.<ref name="ACLUStanley" />

*Expanded audio surveillance: In 2025, Flock announced that its Raven gunshot detection systems would begin listening for "human distress" sounds, such as screaming, expanding beyond gunshot detection to voice monitoring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guariglia |first=Matthew |title=Flock's Gunshot Detection Microphones Will Start Listening for Human Voices
|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029213640/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |archive-date=29 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Undermining state shield laws: Despite state laws protecting healthcare access, out-of-state officers from jurisdictions that criminalize abortion or gender-affirming care can access Flock data on residents of protective states.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maass |first=Dave |title=Flock Safety and Texas Sheriff Claimed License Plate Search Was for a Missing Person. It Was an Abortion Investigation. |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007134746/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Immigration enforcement: Research from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights documented systematic access to Flock data by federal immigration authorities, often in violation of state laws.<ref name=":0" /> This occurred through three methods: "front door" access, where agencies directly shared data with Border Patrol; "back door" access via a default "National Lookup" setting that granted federal access without explicit local authorization; and "side door" searches where local officers ran searches on behalf of ICE.<ref name=":0" />

*Contractual privacy overreach: The ACLU of Massachusetts found that Flock's default service agreement grants the company a "worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free" license to disclose agency data for "investigative purposes," even if a local police department has chosen to restrict data-sharing with other agencies.<ref name="ACLUStanley2">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock Can Share Driver-Surveillance Data Even When Police Departments Opt Out, And Other Flock Developments |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024234020/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===Business model===
Flock Safety operates on a subscription-based "safety-as-a-service" model.<ref name="Sacra">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety revenue, growth rate & funding |url=https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |website=Sacra |url-access=limited |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123150450/https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> The company charges approximately $2,500 per camera annually, plus a one-time installation fee.<ref name="Sacra" /> This subscription includes maintenance, software updates, and data hosting. Forbes reported in 2025 that a single license plate reader camera costs between $3,000 and $3,500, with additional fees for the FlockOS platform.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=AI Startup Flock Thinks It Can Eliminate All Crime In America |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |website=Forbes |date=3 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903144312/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref> This model has proven highly successful, with the company reporting over $300 million in annual recurring revenue as of 2024, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase.<ref name="FlockFunding" />

Flock's AI-enabled cameras capture detailed vehicle "[[Device fingerprint|fingerprints]]" — including make, model, color, bumper stickers, damages, and other distinguishing characteristics — in addition to license plates,<ref name=":4" /> with footage retained for thirty days before deletion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Flock Safety Eliminates Neighborhood Crime While Protecting Resident Privacy |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |website=Flock Safety |date=11 Mar 2019 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221357/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company's network benefits from strong network effects. Investor Andreessen Horowitz has stated the system's power grows with adoption, as "digital evidence can be pooled across different law enforcement agencies," creating network effects that increase surveillance capabilities as more agencies join.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulevitch
|first=David |last2=George |first2=David |title=Investing in Flock Safety |url=https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |website=Andreessen Horowitz |date=13 Jul 2021 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928171419/https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |archive-date=28 Sep 2023}}</ref> As cameras are deployed across more jurisdictions, participating agencies gain access to a broader shared data pool.

Flock initially focused on homeowner's associations — which still account for roughly 40% of its business — before expanding rapidly into law enforcement and enterprise sectors, illustrating a "land-and-expand" growth strategy.<ref name="Sacra" /> Major venture capital firms have invested heavily, signaling strong market confidence. In March 2025, a funding round of $275 million was led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Green Oaks Capital, Bedrock Capital, and Tiger Global, among others, valuing the company at $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pavri |first=Rezwan D. |last2=Conklin |first2=Colin G. |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises Flock Safety on $275 Million Financing |url=https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |website=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=14 Mar 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315234904/https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |archive-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> Major corporate clients include retailers like {{Wplink|Lowe's}} and {{Wplink|FedEx}}, mall operator {{Wplink|Simon Property Group}}, and healthcare provider {{Wplink|Kaiser Permanente}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=America's Biggest Mall Owner Is Sharing AI Surveillance Feeds Directly With Cops |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |website=Forbes |date=6 May 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203012902/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |website=Forbes |date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128023325/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investment fuel the company's expansion. Following its acquisition of Aerodome in October 2024, Flock Safety is building a 100,000-square-foot U.S.A. manufacturing facility for drone production.<ref name=":1" />

==Surveillance technology==
{{Main|Flock license plate readers}}

Flock Safety offers an integrated ecosystem of surveillance hardware and software marketed as a public safety platform.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Product Hub |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221459/https://www.flocksafety.com/products |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The hardware component includes solar-powered ALPRs;<ref name=":2" /> video cameras with AI-powered analytics for people and vehicle detection;<ref name=":2" /> acoustic sensors that identify gunshots and breaking glass for real-time alerts;<ref name=":2" /> and drones acquired through Aerodome for "drone as first responder" systems automatically dispatched to emergency calls.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Expands Into Drones |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |website=Flock Safety |date=17 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221554/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Specific product models include the Falcon and Sparrow license plate readers, as well as the Raven gunshot detection system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katz-Lecabe |first=Mike |title=Dissection of Flock Safety Camera |url=https://www.chrp.org/blog/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera |website=The Center for Human Rights and Privacy |date=1 Apr 2022 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430151222/https://www.cehrp.org/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera/ |archive-date=30 Apr 2022}}</ref> Flock's software integrates with police vehicle systems, including widely-used {{Wplink|Axon Enterprise|Axon}} dashcams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Axon Partners with Flock Safety to Enhance Security for Cities and Neighborhoods |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |website=PR Newswire |date=2 Apr 2020 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404123408/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |archive-date=4 Apr 2020}}</ref>

The software platform includes FlockOS, a real-time crime center platform that enables users to view maps and geographic data, body camera and drone feeds, 911 call data, as well as traffic camera and acoustic sensor data.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Evolution of FlockOS: How Customer Feedback Continues to Shape the Future |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future |website=Flock Safety |date=5 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221633/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future
|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> FlockOS enables the National LPR Network, a nationwide database for sharing and searching LPR data across jurisdictions; and Flock Nova, a data analytics platform that integrates LPR data with law enforcement systems, such as Records Management Systems (RMS) and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), to identify patterns.<ref name=":2" />

==Incidents==
===The FBI is accused in pending lawsut to use Flock data to "create a domestic terrorist" (February 2026)===
in a recent reporting by LegalEagle on Youtube https://youtu.be/ZRZoGc3Wdpo?t=1138 at timestamp 18:58 Court documents are shown where Law enforcement collects 30 days of movements from Flock cameras (after the fact) in efforts to "construct the appearance the person is a domestic terrorist", the release of this footage was denied to ensure people not know where the cameras are in order to avoid them. this was in part of the ICE operation "Midway Blitz"
===Wrongful package theft accusation in Bow Mar, Colorado (September 2025)===
On 27 September 2025, Columbine Valley Police Sgt. Jamie Milliman wrongfully accused Denver resident Chrisanna Elser of package theft, relying exclusively on Flock Safety license plate reader data that placed her vehicle in Bow Mar during the robbery.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Kenney |first=Andrew |title=Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence |url=https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |website=Denverite |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028180112/https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |archive-date=28 Oct 2025}}</ref> The officer asserted "zero doubt" about her guilt, telling her verbatim, "It is locked in. There is zero doubt. I wouldn't have come here unless I was 100% sure." He also bragged about the extensive surveillance network, stating "You can't get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing."<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Prentzel |first=Olivia |title=After police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of theft, she had to prove her own innocence |url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |website=The Colorado Sun |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112221400/https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref> When Elser denied the accusation, Milliman refused to show her the supposed evidence, stating, "You have not been honest with me, so I'm not going to extend you any courtesy of showing you a video when I don't need to."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coon |first=Anna |title=Police use Flock cameras to wrongfully accuse Denver woman of theft |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |website=KDVR |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251103031304/https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref> Elser was compelled to compile extensive exculpatory evidence, including dashcam footage, Google Timeline data, witness statements, and surveillance images from her tailor. She ultimately submitted a seven-page affidavit and a voluminous Google Drive folder to prove her innocence.<ref name=":5" /> The summons was voided several weeks later after Police Chief Bret Cottrell reviewed her evidence, writing, "After reviewing the evidence you have provided (nicely done btw), we have voided the summons that was issued." However, the department provided neither an apology nor an explanation.<ref name=":6" />

===Denver contract and surveillance controversy (October 2025 ongoing)===
On 22 October 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unilaterally renewed the city's contract with Flock Safety through an emergency executive order just hours before a town hall protest, after the Denver City Council had unanimously rejected the contract 12-0.<ref name="cbsdenver">{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Chierstin |title=Some on the Denver City Council upset after Mayor Mike Johnston moves forward with controversial Flock cameras |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |website=CBS News Colorado |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030171650/https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |archive-date=30 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref name="coloradopolitics">{{Cite web |last=Grigsby |first=Deborah |title=Anger grows as Denver mayor extends Flock camera contract |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |website=Colorado Politics |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024231906/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> The council's rejection was due to a lack of guardrails around data access and privacy concerns.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> The mayor's move, described by Councilwoman Shontel Lewis as "'king' behavior," bypassed the democratic process and sparked immediate public backlash.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> A town hall protest organized by consumer advocate Louis Rossmann drew close to 700 attendees, filling a main conference room and overflow spaces.<ref name="coloradopolitics" /><ref name=":7" /> Rossmann had also published a guide for residents to oppose the cameras.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=A guide to de‑flocking Denver: here's EXACTLY what you need to do, step‑by‑step. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=20 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |type=Video |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> The new, no-cost five-month extension included new safeguards, such as a $100,000 fine on Flock for any unauthorized data sharing and cutting off access for all jurisdictions outside of the Denver Police Department.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" /> The mayor's office cited the technology's role in recovering stolen vehicles and solving homicides, while critics remained concerned about executive overreach and the system's potential for misuse.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" />

===Data sharing with federal immigration authorities (Ongoing)===
Federal immigration enforcement agencies systematically accessed Flock's license plate data through multiple methods despite state laws prohibiting such sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler
|first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |website=404 Media |date=27 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527141200/https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |archive-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> This included direct "front door" access where at least eight Washington law enforcement agencies enabled 1:1 data sharing with the U.S. Border Patrol,<ref name=":0" /> "back door" access where Border Patrol searched data from at least ten Washington police departments without explicit authorization,<ref name=":0" /> and "side door" searches where local officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" into search fields.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media
|date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Internal Flock data revealed that CBP had access to more than 80,000 cameras nationwide, with searches conducted in multiple states, potentially violating state sanctuary laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John |title=License plate camera company halts cooperation with federal agencies among investigation concerns |url=https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |website=ABC7 |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827010855/https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |archive-date=27 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Investigation of abortion seeker (May 2025)===
A Johnson County, Texas sheriff's officer conducted a nationwide surveillance operation using Flock Safety's network to track a woman who had a self-managed abortion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=A Texas Cop Searched License Plate Cameras Nationwide for a Woman Who Got an Abortion |url=https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |website=404 Media |date=29 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529181049/https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |archive-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The search spanned 6,809 different Flock networks and queried data from over 83,000 cameras across multiple states.<ref name=":0" /> The officer specifically searched Flock camera data from Yakima and Prosser, Washington, accessing surveillance data from jurisdictions where abortion is legally protected to investigate someone from a restrictive state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=Police Said They Surveilled Woman Who Had an Abortion for Her 'Safety.' Court Records Show They Considered Charging Her With a Crime |url=https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |website=404 Media |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007135454/https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref> While police initially claimed the surveillance was for the woman's "safety," internal documents revealed the case was officially logged as a "death investigation" and detectives had consulted the district attorney about charging the woman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Gideon |title=Flock Gives Law Enforcement All Over the Country Access to Your Location |url=https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |website=ACLU Massachusetts |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018052911/https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> The incident sparked a congressional investigation and led to multiple jurisdictions re-evaluating their Flock contracts over concerns about reproductive rights surveillance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=I'm Hearing About More Pushback Against Flock, Fueled by Concern Over Anti-Immigrant Uses |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |website=ACLU |date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821161654/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Paused federal pilots and systemic data sharing with federal agencies (August 2025)===
Flock Safety announced it was pausing all ongoing pilot programs with Department of Homeland Security agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Langley |first=Garrett |title=Ensuring Local Compliance |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |website=Flock Safety |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221731/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company stated this pause was to "ensure local compliance" and admitted its previous public statements had "inadvertently provided inaccurate information" about the level of federal access to its network.<ref name=":3" />

This decision followed investigations revealing systemic data sharing with federal immigration authorities that potentially violated state laws in Washington, Illinois, and other states with sanctuary protections.<ref name=":0" /> A University of Washington Center for Human Rights report documented three methods of federal access:

*Front door access: At least eight Washington law enforcement agencies, including police departments in Yakima and Wenatchee, enabled direct data sharing with U.S. Border Patrol.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Jordan |title=Flock Safety setting allowed U.S. Border Patrol access to Wenatchee Valley license plate data without police knowledge |url=https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |website=The Wenatchee World |date=27 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251103210114/https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref>

*Back door access: A default "National Lookup" setting allowed Border Patrol to access data from at least ten Washington agencies without explicit authorization. Police chiefs in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee stated they were unaware of this setting and disabled it upon discovery.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee" />

*Side door searches: Law enforcement officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" or "illegal immigration" into search fields.<ref name=":0" /> A public interest law firm noted Flock's pause of direct federal access does little to prevent this workaround, as "federal law enforcement cannot directly access this trove of information; they can just ask other Flock customers to run searches or share log-in information."<ref name="ij">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |title=Public Interest Law Firm Responds to Flock Safety Pausing Federal Access to License Plate Reader Cameras |url=https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |website=Institute for Justice |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925231824/https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Consumer complaints about business practices===
Multiple independent user reviews on {{Wplink|Trustpilot}}, as well as reports from legal advocacy groups, detail a range of consumer complaints against Flock Safety. These issues span predatory billing practices, unreliable hardware, inadequate customer support, and concerns over the value and ethics of the service.

*Predatory billing and contract issues: Customers report aggressive auto-renewal practices. One review alleges the company sent termination notices to the incorrect party and then enforced an auto-renewed two-year contract for nearly $10,000, demanding payment because the customer did not provide a thirty-day termination notice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiala |first=Steven |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steven Fiala on 1/8/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |website=Trustpilot |date=8 Jan 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108013844/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer claimed the company would not offer a refund for cameras they found to be useless, describing the system as a "rip off."<ref name="TrustPilot RR">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Ruben |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Ruben Rodriguez on 10/13/2023 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |website=Trustpilot |date=13 Oct 2023 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108014407/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> The Institute for Justice has raised concerns that Flock tries to "lock customers into its products."<ref name="ij" />

*Poor camera reliability and performance: Reviews frequently cite hardware failures and poor video quality. One neighborhood reported that a camera, costing $4,000 per year, was operational for only nine days before failing and had been offline for 25% of its total service time.<ref name="TrustPilot SE">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Steve |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steve Elliott on 6/20/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |website=Trustpilot |date=20 Jun 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108020837/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer complained that the cameras are "not live" and lack night vision, concluding that a "$300 video camera system from Harbor Freight is 100% better."<ref name="TrustPilot RR" />

*Inadequate customer support: Numerous complaints have been made about poor customer service, particularly among smaller communities and organizations. One reviewer felt that the company is "focused on big city/county government contracts" and that "little guys are at the back of the line for support."<ref name="TrustPilot SE" /> The company's profile on TrustPilot indicates that it has not replied to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Reviews |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |website=TrustPilot |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108022250/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |quote=Hasn’t replied to negative reviews}}</ref>

*Ethical and legal concerns: Some criticisms extend beyond business practices to the product's societal impact. Major civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have published analyses raising significant privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley" /> The ACLU has also published analyses raising considerable privacy concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley2" />

==Lawsuits==
===''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (18 September 2025)===
A lawsuit in Norfolk, VA, revealed that the city's ALPR system has logged the location of a plaintiff's vehicle 526 times in 4 months.<ref name=":9" /> The second plaintiff had their vehicle's position logged 849 times in a similar time period. The ALPR system is provided by Flock to the Norfolk Police Department in a deal costing $2.2 million, in return for Flock providing services through to the end of 2027. The camera installation began in 2023 and, at present, there are 176 cameras around the city. The lawsuit is requesting that the plaintiff's data be deleted and the cameras be turned off, arguing that these actions constitute an infringement of the Fourth Amendment and a warrant-less search. Flock counters this assertion by claiming that "LPRs do not constitute a warrant-less search because they take point-in-time photos of cars in public and cannot continuously track the movements of any individual." This legal position was supported by a ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals in October 2025, which reversed a lower court and found that warrant-less use of Flock's system does not violate the Fourth Amendment.<ref name=":10" />

===''United States v. Martin'' (11 October 2024)===
In ''United States v. Martin'' (E.D. Va.), the district court denied a motion to suppress evidence obtained via an ALPR network, issuing a memorandum opinion on 11 October 2024. The court concluded that the images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles on public roads and therefore did not establish a reasonable expectation of privacy for purposes of the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Robert E. |title=MEMORANDUM OPINION, United States v. Martin, No. 3:23-cr-150 (E.D. Va. Oct. 11, 2024) |url=https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |url-access=limited |website=vLex |date=11 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108024629/https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> 

Legal commentators have treated the ruling as a persuasive decision supporting warrant-less searches of ALPR/Flock databases in that jurisdiction; however, it remains a district-court decision and not binding precedent outside the Eastern District of Virginia. Courts in other jurisdictions have reached different conclusions on the warrant requirements for ALPR searches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grosdidier |first=Pierre |title=Authorities can search Flock databases without a warrant |url=https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |website=Texas Bar Journal |date=Apr 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418012511/https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |archive-date=18 Apr 2025}}</ref>

===Public records lawsuits in Washington (2025)===
Multiple public-records disputes over Flock camera data have led to litigation in Washington. In one high-profile example, the cities of Sedro-Woolley and Stanwood filed a declaratory-judgment action in Skagit County (Case No. 25-2-00717-29), asking a court to declare that images and data stored in Flock's AWS cloud are not "public records" under the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) unless and until a public agency accesses and downloads them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guildner |first=Emily |title=City of Sedro-Woolley and City of Stanwood v. Jose Rodriguez — Complaint for Declaratory Judgment |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |website=Scribd |date=16 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221830/https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The dispute became contested in multiple forums after the requester filed his own suit and responsive filings, alleging that the cities had violated the PRA. While the litigation proceeds, some municipalities have paused or disabled Flock camera deployments pending a judicial ruling on whether the raw images and data must be released as public records.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |title=Stanwood pauses Flock cameras amid public records lawsuits |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |website=HeraldNet |date=10 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911213648/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Norfolk Circuit Court warrant requirement (2024-2025)===
In June 2024, a Norfolk Circuit Court judge granted a defendant's motion to suppress evidence obtained from the city's Flock ALPR system, ruling that, in that case, warrant-less access to the system implicated the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Katie |title=Norfolk judge rejects police Flock camera evidence without warrant |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |website=The Virginian-Pilot |date=15 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702005515/https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |archive-date=2 Jul 2024}}</ref>

That trial-court ruling was later reversed by the Virginia Court of Appeals in ''Commonwealth v. Church'' in Oct 2025, which concluded the circuit court erred and held that the ALPR images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles in public and therefore did not require a search warrant; the appellate court reversed the suppression and remanded for further proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beales |first=Randolph A. |title=Commonwealth v. Ronnie D. Church, No. 0737-25-1 (Va. Ct. App. Oct. 2025) (unpublished opinion) |url=https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |website=Virginia Court System |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028232244/https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |archive-date=28 Oct 2025 |format=PDF}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock: ALPR Location Map]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRs: Advocacy Group]
*[https://www.eff.org/issues/license-plate-readers EFF: License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/aclu-works-stop-license-plate-reader-surveillance ACLU: License Plate Reader Surveillance]
*[https://www.wired.com/tag/automated-license-plate-readers/ Wired: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.vice.com/en/topic/automated-license-plate-readers Vice: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.technologyreview.com/tag/surveillance/ MIT Technology Review: Surveillance]
*[https://www.flock-restrictions.org/ Flock Restrictions: Policy Tracking]
*[https://www.urban.org/features/how-police-use-technology Urban Institute: Police Technology Use]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Flock Safety

2026-03-04T20:52:33Z

H0l0: added comma ig

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2017
|Industry=Surveillance Technology
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com,
|Description=Flock Safety is an American surveillance technology company that develops and operates a mass surveillance system combining automated license plate readers (LPRs), video surveillance cameras, gunshot detection, drones, and data analytics platforms used by thousands of law enforcement agencies and private entities across the United States.
|Logo=Flock Safety Logo (2025).svg}}

'''{{Wplink|Flock Safety}}''' is a technology company that creates and operates an extensive surveillance network using automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and related technologies.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=23 Oct 2025 |title=Highlights from Denver's Flock camera town hall – Mayor didn't show up |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |access-date=30 Oct 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |type=Video |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Flock was founded in 2017 by Georgia Tech alumni Garrett Langley (CEO), Matt Feury (CTO), and Paige Todd (CPO), beginning as a side project where they built their first surveillance cameras by hand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edmonson |first=Crystal |title=Flock Safety cameras help police amid worker shortage, CEO Garrett Langley says |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/08/22/flock-safety-cameras-police-shortage-langley.html |url-access=subscription |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle |date=22 Aug 2023 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= }}</ref> The company operates on a "surveillance as a service" business model, owning and maintaining camera infrastructure while charging recurring fees to law enforcement agencies, private communities, and businesses for access to its surveillance data and network.<ref name="FlockFunding">{{Cite web |title=Accelerating Innovation: Flock Secures $275 Million to Advance Crime-Solving Technology |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |website=Flock Safety |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220945/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

As of mid-2025, independent reporting and public records indicate the Flock network comprised more than 80,000 AI-enabled cameras nationwide.<ref name="Koebler2025">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Flock's materials state deployments in roughly 5,000 communities, and the company reports the system processes "over 20 billion" vehicle scans per month; these latter two figures are company-provided and should be read as Flock's claims rather than independently verified totals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Leaders Choose Flock Safety: A Proven, Community-Focused Public Safety Solution |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |website=Flock Safety |date=28 May 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221008/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Real-Time Vehicle Leads, Nationwide |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221124/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=FlockOS |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221144/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

The company reported surpassing roughly $300 million in annual recurring revenue. In March 2025, it closed a $275 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, which independent reporting estimated valued the company at about $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Krystal |title=US startup Flock Safety raises $275 million to fund manufacturing plant, R&D |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-startup-flock-safety-raises-275-million-fund-manufacturing-plant-rd-2025-03-13/ |website=Reuters |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/JaV0t |archive-date=13 Mar 2025}}</ref> As of 2025, the company has raised a total of $957.5 million in funding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=MacBride |first=Elizabeth |title=Flock Safety: 2025 CNBC Disruptor 50 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |website=CNBC |date=10 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612102045/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |archive-date=12 Jun 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
===Privacy===
Critics, including civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that Flock's mass surveillance network violates privacy rights and represents a form of constant public monitoring that differs fundamentally from traditional, fleeting police observation.<ref name="ACLUStanley">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock's Aggressive Expansions Go Far Beyond Simple Driver Surveillance |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819025249/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref> A lawsuit filed in 2024 challenges the constitutionality of warrant-less searches of ALPR databases; courts have split on the issue in different jurisdictions, and rulings continue to be appealed. For example, a federal complaint in ''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (E.D. Va.) alleges repeated location logging by ALPRs, while appellate activity in related Virginia cases continued into 2025. Readers should consult the cited court documents and reporting for further developments.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Collier |first=Kevin |title=Police cameras tracked one driver 526 times in four months, lawsuit says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |website=NBC News |date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918133508/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Flock Applauds Virginia Court of Appeals Ruling Affirming Constitutionality of LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |website=Flock Safety |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221255/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The system does not offer a public opt-out mechanism.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement |url=https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |website=University of Washington Center for Human Rights
|date=21 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251113234912/https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref> This raised concerns about the potential for misuse, profiling, and long-term monitoring of individuals and their associations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025}}</ref>

Specific privacy violations include:
*Warrant-less tracking and data sharing: Flock's business model enables a nationwide data-sharing network that allows thousands of law enforcement agencies to access location data without warrants or reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.<ref name="ACLUStanley" />

*Expanded audio surveillance: In 2025, Flock announced that its Raven gunshot detection systems would begin listening for "human distress" sounds, such as screaming, expanding beyond gunshot detection to voice monitoring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guariglia |first=Matthew |title=Flock's Gunshot Detection Microphones Will Start Listening for Human Voices
|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029213640/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |archive-date=29 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Undermining state shield laws: Despite state laws protecting healthcare access, out-of-state officers from jurisdictions that criminalize abortion or gender-affirming care can access Flock data on residents of protective states.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maass |first=Dave |title=Flock Safety and Texas Sheriff Claimed License Plate Search Was for a Missing Person. It Was an Abortion Investigation. |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007134746/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Immigration enforcement: Research from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights documented systematic access to Flock data by federal immigration authorities, often in violation of state laws.<ref name=":0" /> This occurred through three methods: "front door" access, where agencies directly shared data with Border Patrol; "back door" access via a default "National Lookup" setting that granted federal access without explicit local authorization; and "side door" searches where local officers ran searches on behalf of ICE.<ref name=":0" />

*Contractual privacy overreach: The ACLU of Massachusetts found that Flock's default service agreement grants the company a "worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free" license to disclose agency data for "investigative purposes," even if a local police department has chosen to restrict data-sharing with other agencies.<ref name="ACLUStanley2">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock Can Share Driver-Surveillance Data Even When Police Departments Opt Out, And Other Flock Developments |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024234020/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===Business model===
Flock Safety operates on a subscription-based "safety-as-a-service" model.<ref name="Sacra">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety revenue, growth rate & funding |url=https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |website=Sacra |url-access=limited |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123150450/https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> The company charges approximately $2,500 per camera annually, plus a one-time installation fee.<ref name="Sacra" /> This subscription includes maintenance, software updates, and data hosting. Forbes reported in 2025 that a single license plate reader camera costs between $3,000 and $3,500, with additional fees for the FlockOS platform.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=AI Startup Flock Thinks It Can Eliminate All Crime In America |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |website=Forbes |date=3 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903144312/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref> This model has proven highly successful, with the company reporting over $300 million in annual recurring revenue as of 2024, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase.<ref name="FlockFunding" />

Flock's AI-enabled cameras capture detailed vehicle "[[Device fingerprint|fingerprints]]" — including make, model, color, bumper stickers, damages, and other distinguishing characteristics — in addition to license plates,<ref name=":4" /> with footage retained for thirty days before deletion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Flock Safety Eliminates Neighborhood Crime While Protecting Resident Privacy |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |website=Flock Safety |date=11 Mar 2019 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221357/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company's network benefits from strong network effects. Investor Andreessen Horowitz has stated the system's power grows with adoption, as "digital evidence can be pooled across different law enforcement agencies," creating network effects that increase surveillance capabilities as more agencies join.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulevitch
|first=David |last2=George |first2=David |title=Investing in Flock Safety |url=https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |website=Andreessen Horowitz |date=13 Jul 2021 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928171419/https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |archive-date=28 Sep 2023}}</ref> As cameras are deployed across more jurisdictions, participating agencies gain access to a broader shared data pool.

Flock initially focused on homeowner's associations — which still account for roughly 40% of its business — before expanding rapidly into law enforcement and enterprise sectors, illustrating a "land-and-expand" growth strategy.<ref name="Sacra" /> Major venture capital firms have invested heavily, signaling strong market confidence. In March 2025, a funding round of $275 million was led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Green Oaks Capital, Bedrock Capital, and Tiger Global, among others, valuing the company at $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pavri |first=Rezwan D. |last2=Conklin |first2=Colin G. |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises Flock Safety on $275 Million Financing |url=https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |website=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=14 Mar 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315234904/https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |archive-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> Major corporate clients include retailers like {{Wplink|Lowe's}} and {{Wplink|FedEx}}, mall operator {{Wplink|Simon Property Group}}, and healthcare provider {{Wplink|Kaiser Permanente}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=America's Biggest Mall Owner Is Sharing AI Surveillance Feeds Directly With Cops |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |website=Forbes |date=6 May 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203012902/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |website=Forbes |date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128023325/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investment fuel the company's expansion. Following its acquisition of Aerodome in October 2024, Flock Safety is building a 100,000-square-foot U.S.A. manufacturing facility for drone production.<ref name=":1" />

==Surveillance technology==
{{Main|Flock license plate readers}}

Flock Safety offers an integrated ecosystem of surveillance hardware and software marketed as a public safety platform.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Product Hub |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221459/https://www.flocksafety.com/products |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The hardware component includes solar-powered ALPRs;<ref name=":2" /> video cameras with AI-powered analytics for people and vehicle detection;<ref name=":2" /> acoustic sensors that identify gunshots and breaking glass for real-time alerts;<ref name=":2" /> and drones acquired through Aerodome for "drone as first responder" systems automatically dispatched to emergency calls.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Expands Into Drones |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |website=Flock Safety |date=17 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221554/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Specific product models include the Falcon and Sparrow license plate readers, as well as the Raven gunshot detection system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katz-Lecabe |first=Mike |title=Dissection of Flock Safety Camera |url=https://www.chrp.org/blog/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera |website=The Center for Human Rights and Privacy |date=1 Apr 2022 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430151222/https://www.cehrp.org/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera/ |archive-date=30 Apr 2022}}</ref> Flock's software integrates with police vehicle systems, including widely-used {{Wplink|Axon Enterprise|Axon}} dashcams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Axon Partners with Flock Safety to Enhance Security for Cities and Neighborhoods |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |website=PR Newswire |date=2 Apr 2020 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404123408/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |archive-date=4 Apr 2020}}</ref>

The software platform includes FlockOS, a real-time crime center platform that enables users to view maps and geographic data, body camera and drone feeds, 911 call data, as well as traffic camera and acoustic sensor data.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Evolution of FlockOS: How Customer Feedback Continues to Shape the Future |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future |website=Flock Safety |date=5 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221633/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future
|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> FlockOS enables the National LPR Network, a nationwide database for sharing and searching LPR data across jurisdictions; and Flock Nova, a data analytics platform that integrates LPR data with law enforcement systems, such as Records Management Systems (RMS) and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), to identify patterns.<ref name=":2" />

==Incidents==
===The FBI is accused in pending lawsut to use Flock data to "create a domestic terrorist" (February 2026)===
in a recent reporting by LegalEagle on Youtube https://youtu.be/ZRZoGc3Wdpo?t=1138 at timestamp 18:58 Court documents are shown where Law enforcement collects 30 days of movements from Flock cameras (after the fact) in efforts to "construct the appearance the person is a domestic terrorist", the release of this footage was denied to ensure people not know where the cameras are in order to avoid them. this was in part of the ICE operation "Midway Blitz"
===Wrongful package theft accusation in Bow Mar, Colorado (September 2025)===
On 27 September 2025, Columbine Valley Police Sgt. Jamie Milliman wrongfully accused Denver resident Chrisanna Elser of package theft, relying exclusively on Flock Safety license plate reader data that placed her vehicle in Bow Mar during the robbery.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Kenney |first=Andrew |title=Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence |url=https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |website=Denverite |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028180112/https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |archive-date=28 Oct 2025}}</ref> The officer asserted "zero doubt" about her guilt, telling her verbatim, "It is locked in. There is zero doubt. I wouldn't have come here unless I was 100% sure." He also bragged about the extensive surveillance network, stating "You can't get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing."<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Prentzel |first=Olivia |title=After police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of theft, she had to prove her own innocence |url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |website=The Colorado Sun |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112221400/https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref> When Elser denied the accusation, Milliman refused to show her the supposed evidence, stating, "You have not been honest with me, so I'm not going to extend you any courtesy of showing you a video when I don't need to."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coon |first=Anna |title=Police use Flock cameras to wrongfully accuse Denver woman of theft |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |website=KDVR |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251103031304/https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref> Elser was compelled to compile extensive exculpatory evidence, including dashcam footage, Google Timeline data, witness statements, and surveillance images from her tailor. She ultimately submitted a seven-page affidavit and a voluminous Google Drive folder to prove her innocence.<ref name=":5" /> The summons was voided several weeks later after Police Chief Bret Cottrell reviewed her evidence, writing, "After reviewing the evidence you have provided (nicely done btw), we have voided the summons that was issued." However, the department provided neither an apology nor an explanation.<ref name=":6" />

===Denver contract and surveillance controversy (October 2025 ongoing)===
On 22 October 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unilaterally renewed the city's contract with Flock Safety through an emergency executive order just hours before a town hall protest, after the Denver City Council had unanimously rejected the contract 12-0.<ref name="cbsdenver">{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Chierstin |title=Some on the Denver City Council upset after Mayor Mike Johnston moves forward with controversial Flock cameras |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |website=CBS News Colorado |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030171650/https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |archive-date=30 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref name="coloradopolitics">{{Cite web |last=Grigsby |first=Deborah |title=Anger grows as Denver mayor extends Flock camera contract |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |website=Colorado Politics |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024231906/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> The council's rejection was due to a lack of guardrails around data access and privacy concerns.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> The mayor's move, described by Councilwoman Shontel Lewis as "'king' behavior," bypassed the democratic process and sparked immediate public backlash.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> A town hall protest organized by consumer advocate Louis Rossmann drew close to 700 attendees, filling a main conference room and overflow spaces.<ref name="coloradopolitics" /><ref name=":7" /> Rossmann had also published a guide for residents to oppose the cameras.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=A guide to de‑flocking Denver: here's EXACTLY what you need to do, step‑by‑step. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=20 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |type=Video |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> The new, no-cost five-month extension included new safeguards, such as a $100,000 fine on Flock for any unauthorized data sharing and cutting off access for all jurisdictions outside of the Denver Police Department.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" /> The mayor's office cited the technology's role in recovering stolen vehicles and solving homicides, while critics remained concerned about executive overreach and the system's potential for misuse.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" />

===Data sharing with federal immigration authorities (Ongoing)===
Federal immigration enforcement agencies systematically accessed Flock's license plate data through multiple methods despite state laws prohibiting such sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler
|first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |website=404 Media |date=27 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527141200/https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |archive-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> This included direct "front door" access where at least eight Washington law enforcement agencies enabled 1:1 data sharing with the U.S. Border Patrol,<ref name=":0" /> "back door" access where Border Patrol searched data from at least ten Washington police departments without explicit authorization,<ref name=":0" /> and "side door" searches where local officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" into search fields.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media
|date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Internal Flock data revealed that CBP had access to more than 80,000 cameras nationwide, with searches conducted in multiple states, potentially violating state sanctuary laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John |title=License plate camera company halts cooperation with federal agencies among investigation concerns |url=https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |website=ABC7 |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827010855/https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |archive-date=27 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Investigation of abortion seeker (May 2025)===
A Johnson County, Texas sheriff's officer conducted a nationwide surveillance operation using Flock Safety's network to track a woman who had a self-managed abortion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=A Texas Cop Searched License Plate Cameras Nationwide for a Woman Who Got an Abortion |url=https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |website=404 Media |date=29 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529181049/https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |archive-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The search spanned 6,809 different Flock networks and queried data from over 83,000 cameras across multiple states.<ref name=":0" /> The officer specifically searched Flock camera data from Yakima and Prosser, Washington, accessing surveillance data from jurisdictions where abortion is legally protected to investigate someone from a restrictive state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=Police Said They Surveilled Woman Who Had an Abortion for Her 'Safety.' Court Records Show They Considered Charging Her With a Crime |url=https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |website=404 Media |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007135454/https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref> While police initially claimed the surveillance was for the woman's "safety," internal documents revealed the case was officially logged as a "death investigation" and detectives had consulted the district attorney about charging the woman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Gideon |title=Flock Gives Law Enforcement All Over the Country Access to Your Location |url=https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |website=ACLU Massachusetts |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018052911/https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> The incident sparked a congressional investigation and led to multiple jurisdictions re-evaluating their Flock contracts over concerns about reproductive rights surveillance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=I'm Hearing About More Pushback Against Flock, Fueled by Concern Over Anti-Immigrant Uses |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |website=ACLU |date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821161654/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Paused federal pilots and systemic data sharing with federal agencies (August 2025)===
Flock Safety announced it was pausing all ongoing pilot programs with Department of Homeland Security agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Langley |first=Garrett |title=Ensuring Local Compliance |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |website=Flock Safety |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221731/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company stated this pause was to "ensure local compliance" and admitted its previous public statements had "inadvertently provided inaccurate information" about the level of federal access to its network.<ref name=":3" />

This decision followed investigations revealing systemic data sharing with federal immigration authorities that potentially violated state laws in Washington, Illinois, and other states with sanctuary protections.<ref name=":0" /> A University of Washington Center for Human Rights report documented three methods of federal access:

*Front door access: At least eight Washington law enforcement agencies, including police departments in Yakima and Wenatchee, enabled direct data sharing with U.S. Border Patrol.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Jordan |title=Flock Safety setting allowed U.S. Border Patrol access to Wenatchee Valley license plate data without police knowledge |url=https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |website=The Wenatchee World |date=27 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251103210114/https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref>

*Back door access: A default "National Lookup" setting allowed Border Patrol to access data from at least ten Washington agencies without explicit authorization. Police chiefs in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee stated they were unaware of this setting and disabled it upon discovery.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee" />

*Side door searches: Law enforcement officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" or "illegal immigration" into search fields.<ref name=":0" /> A public interest law firm noted Flock's pause of direct federal access does little to prevent this workaround, as "federal law enforcement cannot directly access this trove of information; they can just ask other Flock customers to run searches or share log-in information."<ref name="ij">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |title=Public Interest Law Firm Responds to Flock Safety Pausing Federal Access to License Plate Reader Cameras |url=https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |website=Institute for Justice |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925231824/https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Consumer complaints about business practices===
Multiple independent user reviews on {{Wplink|Trustpilot}}, as well as reports from legal advocacy groups, detail a range of consumer complaints against Flock Safety. These issues span predatory billing practices, unreliable hardware, inadequate customer support, and concerns over the value and ethics of the service.

*Predatory billing and contract issues: Customers report aggressive auto-renewal practices. One review alleges the company sent termination notices to the incorrect party and then enforced an auto-renewed two-year contract for nearly $10,000, demanding payment because the customer did not provide a thirty-day termination notice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiala |first=Steven |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steven Fiala on 1/8/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |website=Trustpilot |date=8 Jan 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108013844/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer claimed the company would not offer a refund for cameras they found to be useless, describing the system as a "rip off."<ref name="TrustPilot RR">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Ruben |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Ruben Rodriguez on 10/13/2023 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |website=Trustpilot |date=13 Oct 2023 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108014407/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> The Institute for Justice has raised concerns that Flock tries to "lock customers into its products."<ref name="ij" />

*Poor camera reliability and performance: Reviews frequently cite hardware failures and poor video quality. One neighborhood reported that a camera, costing $4,000 per year, was operational for only nine days before failing and had been offline for 25% of its total service time.<ref name="TrustPilot SE">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Steve |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steve Elliott on 6/20/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |website=Trustpilot |date=20 Jun 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108020837/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer complained that the cameras are "not live" and lack night vision, concluding that a "$300 video camera system from Harbor Freight is 100% better."<ref name="TrustPilot RR" />

*Inadequate customer support: Numerous complaints have been made about poor customer service, particularly among smaller communities and organizations. One reviewer felt that the company is "focused on big city/county government contracts" and that "little guys are at the back of the line for support."<ref name="TrustPilot SE" /> The company's profile on TrustPilot indicates that it has not replied to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Reviews |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |website=TrustPilot |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108022250/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |quote=Hasn’t replied to negative reviews}}</ref>

*Ethical and legal concerns: Some criticisms extend beyond business practices to the product's societal impact. Major civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have published analyses raising significant privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley" /> The ACLU has also published analyses raising considerable privacy concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley2" />

==Lawsuits==
===''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (18 September 2025)===
A lawsuit in Norfolk, VA, revealed that the city's ALPR system has logged the location of a plaintiff's vehicle 526 times in 4 months.<ref name=":9" /> The second plaintiff had their vehicle's position logged 849 times in a similar time period. The ALPR system is provided by Flock to the Norfolk Police Department in a deal costing $2.2 million, in return for Flock providing services through to the end of 2027. The camera installation began in 2023 and, at present, there are 176 cameras around the city. The lawsuit is requesting that the plaintiff's data be deleted and the cameras be turned off, arguing that these actions constitute an infringement of the Fourth Amendment and a warrant-less search. Flock counters this assertion by claiming that "LPRs do not constitute a warrant-less search because they take point-in-time photos of cars in public and cannot continuously track the movements of any individual." This legal position was supported by a ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals in October 2025, which reversed a lower court and found that warrant-less use of Flock's system does not violate the Fourth Amendment.<ref name=":10" />

===''United States v. Martin'' (11 October 2024)===
In ''United States v. Martin'' (E.D. Va.), the district court denied a motion to suppress evidence obtained via an ALPR network, issuing a memorandum opinion on 11 October 2024. The court concluded that the images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles on public roads and therefore did not establish a reasonable expectation of privacy for purposes of the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Robert E. |title=MEMORANDUM OPINION, United States v. Martin, No. 3:23-cr-150 (E.D. Va. Oct. 11, 2024) |url=https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |url-access=limited |website=vLex |date=11 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108024629/https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> 

Legal commentators have treated the ruling as a persuasive decision supporting warrant-less searches of ALPR/Flock databases in that jurisdiction; however, it remains a district-court decision and not binding precedent outside the Eastern District of Virginia. Courts in other jurisdictions have reached different conclusions on the warrant requirements for ALPR searches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grosdidier |first=Pierre |title=Authorities can search Flock databases without a warrant |url=https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |website=Texas Bar Journal |date=Apr 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418012511/https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |archive-date=18 Apr 2025}}</ref>

===Public records lawsuits in Washington (2025)===
Multiple public-records disputes over Flock camera data have led to litigation in Washington. In one high-profile example, the cities of Sedro-Woolley and Stanwood filed a declaratory-judgment action in Skagit County (Case No. 25-2-00717-29), asking a court to declare that images and data stored in Flock's AWS cloud are not "public records" under the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) unless and until a public agency accesses and downloads them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guildner |first=Emily |title=City of Sedro-Woolley and City of Stanwood v. Jose Rodriguez — Complaint for Declaratory Judgment |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |website=Scribd |date=16 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221830/https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The dispute became contested in multiple forums after the requester filed his own suit and responsive filings, alleging that the cities had violated the PRA. While the litigation proceeds, some municipalities have paused or disabled Flock camera deployments pending a judicial ruling on whether the raw images and data must be released as public records.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |title=Stanwood pauses Flock cameras amid public records lawsuits |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |website=HeraldNet |date=10 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911213648/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Norfolk Circuit Court warrant requirement (2024-2025)===
In June 2024, a Norfolk Circuit Court judge granted a defendant's motion to suppress evidence obtained from the city's Flock ALPR system, ruling that, in that case, warrant-less access to the system implicated the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Katie |title=Norfolk judge rejects police Flock camera evidence without warrant |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |website=The Virginian-Pilot |date=15 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702005515/https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |archive-date=2 Jul 2024}}</ref>

That trial-court ruling was later reversed by the Virginia Court of Appeals in ''Commonwealth v. Church'' in Oct 2025, which concluded the circuit court erred and held that the ALPR images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles in public and therefore did not require a search warrant; the appellate court reversed the suppression and remanded for further proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beales |first=Randolph A. |title=Commonwealth v. Ronnie D. Church, No. 0737-25-1 (Va. Ct. App. Oct. 2025) (unpublished opinion) |url=https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |website=Virginia Court System |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028232244/https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |archive-date=28 Oct 2025 |format=PDF}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock: ALPR Location Map]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRs: Advocacy Group]
*[https://www.eff.org/issues/license-plate-readers EFF: License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/aclu-works-stop-license-plate-reader-surveillance ACLU: License Plate Reader Surveillance]
*[https://www.wired.com/tag/automated-license-plate-readers/ Wired: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.vice.com/en/topic/automated-license-plate-readers Vice: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.technologyreview.com/tag/surveillance/ MIT Technology Review: Surveillance]
*[https://www.flock-restrictions.org/ Flock Restrictions: Policy Tracking]
*[https://www.urban.org/features/how-police-use-technology Urban Institute: Police Technology Use]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T20:30:46Z

H0l0: fixed a factual mistake

{{Incomplete|issue 1=needs general improvement of quality and quantity of information}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==
The US legislative process is as follows:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref>

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill(now law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T19:15:22Z

H0l0: added some 4 "citation needed" notices

{{Incomplete|issue 1=needs general improvement of quality and quantity of information}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==
The US legislative process is as follows:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref>

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill (perhaps soon to be law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.{{Citation needed|date=1 Mar 2026}}

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T19:03:19Z

H0l0: added a minor but important detail

{{StubNotice}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==

===-- Legislators from all around the world create bills in an attempt to pass them and thus make it law.In order for a bill to be passed, It must go through "The Legislative Process"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> --===
The legislative process is as follows:

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights(U.S)===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill (perhaps soon to be law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T18:51:35Z

H0l0:

{{StubNotice}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==

===-- Legislators from all around the world create bills in an attempt to pass them and thus make it law.In order for a bill to be passed, It must go through "The Legislative Process"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> --===
The legislative process is as follows:

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') without real probable cause and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services that allow federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This act also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to prevent criminals from "escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime", which could be interpreted as being punished for avoiding [[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] detection.
|ALPR Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill (perhaps soon to be law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill reads as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2656/ Arizona HB 2656]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1125]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1298, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/80575 Arizona SB 1298]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA] (Identical to SB 1125, Arizona)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82735 Arizona SB 1341]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-avs-bill-2023/ Arizona SB 1503]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arkansas-protection-of-minors-from-distribution-of-harmful-material-act-2023/ Arkansas SB 66]
|Arkansas, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since July 31 2023)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-sb-127-2023/ California AB 127]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-avs-bill-2023/ California AB 1501]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-age-appropriate-design-code-act/ California AB 2273 (2022)]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/california-ab-3080/ California AB 3080]
|California, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/case-it-act-2023/ CASE–IT Act (2023)]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-201 Colorado SB 25-201]
|Colorado, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/delaware-hb-265/ Delaware HB 265]
|Delaware, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-hb-3-sb-1792/ Florida HB 3]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jan 1 2025)
|-
|Florida [https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81550 HB 931]/[https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=81947 SB 1438]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-sb-1620-2023/ Florida SB 1620]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification/Censorship
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/florida-avs-bill-2023/ Florida SB 472]
|Florida, U.S
|[TBA] (Copycat of Louisiana's AVS law)
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-hb-910/ Georgia HB 910]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Failed (Incorporated in SB 351)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/georgia-sb-351/ Georgia SB 351]
|Georgia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2025)
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-hb-448/ Idaho H 448]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/idaho-h-498/ Idaho H 498]
|Idaho, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Jul 1 2024)
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills/would-be laws that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T18:08:09Z

H0l0: added 3 summaries

{{StubNotice}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==

===-- Legislators from all around the world create bills in an attempt to pass them and thus make it law.In order for a bill to be passed, It must go through "The Legislative Process"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> --===
The legislative process is as follows:

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services, therefore allowing federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|The UK Online Safety Act is a set of law's that pushes for [[Age verification]] in order to protect quote; "children and adults online". Said enforcement includes disapproving "Illegal Content", & forcing website and domain owners to utilize "highly effective age assurance" to prevent children from accessing potentially harmful content. This law also requires such platforms to " provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise."
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on Oct 26, 2023, Active since Jul 25 2025)
|-
|[https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/253 Florida HB 253]
|Florida, U.S
|Florida's 253 House Bill disallows ones ability to, in their own words, utilize "license plate obscuring devices" to avoid detection by alpr cameras("escaping from or avoiding detection or arrest in connection with such crime").
|[[Flock license plate readers|ALPR]] Jamming Circumvention
|Approved (Signed on May 19th 2025, Active since Oct 1 2025)
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill (perhaps soon to be law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" is a "copycat bill" of California's own "Assembly Bill No. 1043" which requires operating systems of any kind(open source or not), to utilize an interface on account setup to gain an age signal for developers to use in the main app store. Overview of said bill says as follows; "The bill requires application developers to receive user age information and use it to comply with any applicable law."
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Newag

2026-03-01T16:19:56Z

H0l0: added "leo express" to "See also"

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Polish manufacturer of railway rolling stock.
|Founded=1876
|Industry=Railway
|Logo=Newag Group logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.newag.pl/
}}

'''{{wplink|Newag|Newag S.A.}}''' (pronounced ''"nevag"'') is a publicly traded Polish company based in {{wplink|Nowy Sącz}} that specializes in the production, maintenance, and modernization of railway rolling stock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Company factsheet |url=https://www.gpw.pl/company-factsheet?isin=PLNEWAG00012 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=GPW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Company history |url=https://www.newag.pl/en/company/history/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250120130623/https://www.newag.pl/en/company/history/ |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Newag}}</ref>

Their most notable products include the electric locomotive families '''Griffin''' and '''Dragon''', as well as the '''Impuls''' family of multiple units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Griffin |url=https://www.newag.pl/en/offer/griffin/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250125122434/https://www.newag.pl/en/offer/griffin/ |archive-date=25 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Newag}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dragon |url=https://www.newag.pl/en/offer/dragon/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250209153246/https://www.newag.pl/en/offer/dragon/ |archive-date=9 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Newag}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Impuls |url=https://www.newag.pl/en/offer/impuls/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250112104016/https://www.newag.pl/en/offer/impuls/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Newag}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Repair restrictions====
In 2022, a regional Polish train operator commissioned third-party repair service SPS to complete maintenance on Impuls trains.<ref name="badcyber">{{Cite web |title=Dieselgate but for trains |url=https://badcyber.com/dieselgate-but-for-trains-some-heavyweight-hardware-hacking/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222173559/https://badcyber.com/dieselgate-but-for-trains-some-heavyweight-hardware-hacking/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Bad Cyber}}</ref> The trains reportedly failed to operate despite being mechanically functional. Allegations emerged that software mechanisms prevented operation following third-party servicing.

====Software lock mechanisms====
In 2023, cybersecurity researchers from Dragon Sector, hired by SPS, disclosed findings that software lock mechanisms had allegedly been embedded within Impuls trains.<ref name="ars">{{Cite web |title=Manufacturer deliberately bricked trains repaired by competitors, hackers find |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/12/manufacturer-deliberately-bricked-trains-repaired-by-competitors-hackers-find/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251105052028/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/12/manufacturer-deliberately-bricked-trains-repaired-by-competitors-hackers-find/ |archive-date=5 Nov 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

Alleged mechanisms included:

*A “lack of movement timer” disabling trains after inactivity.
*Geofencing that disabled trains at competitor workshops.
*Serialization of CAN bus components.
*A date-based lock tied to servicing deadlines.

====Geofencing disruptions====
The geofencing mechanism was later alleged to have caused operational disruptions when trains passed near flagged GPS locations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=We’ve Not Been Trained For This |url=https://media.ccc.de/v/38c3-we-ve-not-been-trained-for-this-life-after-the-newag-drm-disclosure |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116035645/https://media.ccc.de/v/38c3-we-ve-not-been-trained-for-this-life-after-the-newag-drm-disclosure |archive-date=16 Jan 2026 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=CCC}}</ref>

====Company response====
Newag denied the allegations, stating it had not introduced software locks and characterizing the reports as defamatory and damaging to its market position.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Newag comes out fighting in claims over foul play |url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/newag-comes-out-fighting-in-claims-over-foul-play/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216171632/https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/newag-comes-out-fighting-in-claims-over-foul-play/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=1 Mar 2026 |website=Rail Journal}}</ref>

==Incidents==

This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===2023 Anti-competition GPS and time based software lockups===
In December 2023 white-hat hacker group Dragon Sector revealed findings regarding Newag Impuls rolling stock malfunctions. They were employed by SPS Mieczkowski to investigate issues regarding repair of Impuls trains. After reverse engineering analysis, they reported discovering multiple software flags, GPS-based geofencing coordinates corresponding to competing service companies, parts serialization mechanisms, and timed lock conditions. Following disclosure, investigations and legal proceedings were initiated. As of August 2025, the matter has not reached conclusion.<ref name="ars" />

===2024 Lawsuit against SPS and Dragon Sector===
In August 2024 Newag Group launched a lawsuit against SPS and Dragon Sector. In this lawsuit Newag claims Dragon Sector exposed train passengers to danger by modifying code of train computers, while also alleging copyright infringement under EU Directive 2009/24/EC related to reverse engineering of software. As of August 2025 this lawsuit has not reached conclusion.

===Lawsuit reported by iFixit (July 2025)===
On July 28, 2025, iFixit reported that Newag had initiated legal proceedings against members of Dragon Sector and SPS following their public disclosure of alleged software-based repair restrictions in Impuls trains.<ref>{{Cite web
|date=28 Jul 2025
|title=Polish Train Maker Is Suing the Hackers Who Exposed Its Anti-Repair Tricks
|url=https://es.ifixit.com/News/112008/polish-train-maker-is-suing-the-hackers-who-exposed-its-anti-repair-tricks
|access-date=1 Mar 2026
|website=iFixit
}}</ref>

The report states that the lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement related to reverse engineering and software modification. The case remains ongoing.

==See also==

* [[Leo Express]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Newag]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T16:17:16Z

H0l0: changed "elements of privacy taken away" to "Method of Eroding Privacy"

{{StubNotice}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==

===-- Legislators from all around the world create bills in an attempt to pass them and thus make it law.In order for a bill to be passed, It must go through "The Legislative Process"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> --===
The legislative process is as follows:

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services, therefore allowing federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Method of Eroding Privacy
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill (perhaps soon to be law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" states that any
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-03-01T14:58:10Z

H0l0: some preparation

{{StubNotice}}

[[Anti-privacy legislation]] simply put is legislation that may be created with malicious intent or not that invoke ones right to privacy. In the last decade, governments across the world have introduced various pieces of such legislation, which has caused damage to the privacy consumers have with their technology.

==How it works==

===-- Legislators from all around the world create bills in an attempt to pass them and thus make it law.In order for a bill to be passed, It must go through "The Legislative Process"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process |url=https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |access-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=house.gov |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119083226/https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> --===
The legislative process is as follows:

#A representative '''needs to sponsor a bill'''
#The bill is then '''assigned to a committee''' for study
#If the bill is '''released''' by said committee, the bill is '''put on a calendar to be voted on'''.
#If the '''majority''' of people vote for the bill(51 or more out of 100), then the bill is '''passed'''
#A conference committee made of House & Senate members then '''works out any differences''' '''between the House & Senate version of the bill'''
#Finally, the resulting bill heads back to the House & Senate for final '''approval''' by the '''President''', If the bill is signed, then it has officially become '''law'''.<ref name=":0" />

Now that such anti-privacy legislation has been approved, it can be enforced by federal agencies via penalties.

==Why it is a problem==

===Anti-privacy legislation is a direct infringement of the 1st & 4th amendments found in the bill of rights===

*The 1st amendment states:
<blockquote>Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or '''prohibiting''' the free exercise thereof; or '''abridging''' the '''freedom of speech''', or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - First Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>

If '''Anti-privacy legislation''' were to be implemented, that gives anyone with access to data on someone the ability to '''restrict freedom of speech''' or oppose those with unwanted views of the world, thus infringing the 1st amendment.{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*The 4th amendment reads as follows:

<blockquote>The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against '''unreasonable searches and seizures''', shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S Constitution - Fourth Amendment |url=https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-4/ |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Constitution Annotated}}</ref></blockquote>'''Anti-privacy legislation''' infringes on a citizen's right to avoid "'''unreasonable searches and seizures'''" since It may require/force citizens to show proof of age('''selfies, id's, credit cards''') and since It may also force said citizen to use less secure services, therefore allowing federal agencies to gain higher access to said services and retrieve to whatever data is "needed".{{Citation needed|date=28 Feb 2026}}

*'''Anti-privacy legislation''' can also build the framework and foundation for other & more extreme anti-privacy measures, & such anti-privacy measures can lead to the slow development of a '''''surveillance state.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwinter |first=Daniel |title=Surveillance's Slippery Slope; Using Encryption to Recapture Privacy Rights |url=http://www.jthtl.org/content/articles/V5I2/JTHTLv5i2_Sherwinter.PDF |access-date=28 Feb 2026 |website=Journal on Telecommunications and High Technology Law}}</ref>

==List of Legislation==
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
!Bill/Law name
!Country/State
!Basic summary of Legislation
!Elements of privacy taken away
!Status
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]
|United Kingdom
|
|Age Verification
|Approved
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]
|Texas, U.S
|Texas Senate Bill 2420(also known as the "App Store Accountability Act") requires app store owners & maintainers to utilize "Commercially reasonable method('s)" In order to verify the ages their users. If someone is In a category that isn't explicitly labeled "adult", then the user is considered a minor and must ask a parent or legal guardian for permission in order to install new applications that may be considered inappropriate for their age group.
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-051 Colorado Senate Bill SB26-051]
|Colorado, U.S
|The Colorado Senate Bill "SB26-051" requires operating system owners, publishers/providers, & developers & maintainers to implement system level age verification via an "accessible interface at account setup", which then is used as an "age signal" for "applications available in a covered application store". Any person that violates this proposed bill (perhaps soon to be law) will face a fine of 2,500$ per unintentional violation or 7,500$ per intentional violation.
|Device-Based Age Indication
|Under Consideration
|-
|[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1043 California Assembly Bill No. 1043]
|California, U.S
|The California Assembly Bill No. "1043" states that any
|Age Indication
|Approved (Active Jan 1, 2027)
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/737/text S.737 - Screen Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1207 S.1207 - Earn It Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption
|Introduced
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2024/bills/static/HB0464.html Utah Bill H.B. 464]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age-Gating/Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text S.1748 - Kids Online Safety Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Censorship/Age-Gating
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/146 S.146 - TAKE IT DOWN Act]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Anti-Encryption/Censorship
|Approved
|-
|[https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0073.html Utah S.B. 73]
|Utah, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed House committee
|-
|[https://ohiohouse.gov/legislation/136/hb84 Ohio HB 84]
|Ohio, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb130 Wisconsin SB 130]
|Wisconsin, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed Senate
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201839&style=new&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 3015/1839]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2606 Iowa HF 2606]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?year=2026&bill=HB1839&code=R%20&cal=1 Missouri HB 1839 & 901/1346/1412]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0072 Wyoming HB 72]
|Wyoming, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/west-virginia-hb-4412/ West Virginia HB 4412]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed the House
|-
|[https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7746.pdf Rhode Island HB 7746]
|Rhode Island, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3945&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=167424&SessionID=114 Illinois SB 3946]
|Illinois, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0908?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 908]
|Maryland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2522&GA=114 Tennessee HB 2522/SB 2398]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0693?ys=2026rs Maryland HB 693]
|Mayland, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2159 Iowa SF 2159]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=628&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 628]
|West Virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF864 Iowa HF 864]
|Iowa, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first chamber
|-
|[https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=498&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill West Virginia SB 498]
|West virginia, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S1826 New Jersey S 1826]
|New Jersey, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&year=2026&code=R Missouri HB 1878]
|Missouri, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1271&inflect=1 New Hampshire SB 648]
|New Hampshire, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|New York [https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3591 S3591] / [https://www.nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=3946 A3946]
|New York, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2112&Year=2025&Chamber=House Washington HB 2112]
|Washington, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6333 Parents Over Platforms Act - HR 6333]
|U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1198 Hawaii HB 1198]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1212 Hawaii HB 1212]
|Hawaii, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF443 Iowa SF 207/443]
|Iowa
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Passed first committee
|-
|[https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1626 Massachusetts H 1626]
|Massachusetts, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1513 Pennsylvania HB 1513]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Michigan [https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0284 SB284]/[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4429 HB 4429]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Device-Based Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb603 Pennsylvania SB 603]
|Pennsylvania, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0466&ga=114 Tennessee HB 222 / SB 466]
|Tennessee, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0191 Michigan SB 191]
|Michigan, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1875&ssn=0&y=2025 Minnesota HF 1875]
|Minnesota
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|Minnesota [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2105&ssn=0&y=2025 SF 2105]/[https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=HF1434&y=2025&ssn=0&b=house HF 1434]
|Minnesota, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Introduced
|-
|[https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-8/chapter-19g/ Alabama HB 164]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Active since Oct 1 2024)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alabama-hb-393/ Alabama HB 393]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/al-hb-441/ Alabama HB 441]
|Alabama, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/alaska-hb-254/ Alaska HB 254]
|Alaska, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|[https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81805 Arizona HB 2112]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Approved (Signed on May 13th 2025)
|-
|[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/bill/arizona-hb-2586/ Arizona HB 2586]
|Arizona, U.S
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|Rejected
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|-
|
|
|[TBA]
|Age Verification
|
|}

==What you can do==
In order to oppose/dispute '''Anti-privacy legislation''' created by legislators, you can:

#'''Spread the word'''; not everyone knows about these bills or the mere existence of these types of bills and therefore wont even fight back
#'''Contact local legislators & representatives;''' If enough people oppose a proposed bill, local legislators may delay the bill or back off on their decision entirely. If enough citizens instead urge a representative to vote against a bill, said representatives could potentially follow up on the citizen's behalf.
#'''Sign Petitions'''; Signing petitions is another way to the message across to both legislators & other people alike.
#'''Support Pro Consumer/Privacy Bills'''; Supporting bills that protect consumer privacy & ownership helps circumvent future bills that aims for the opposite affect.

===Tools & Resources===

*[https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/ Age Verification Bills] is a sub-site of the the domain [https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/ Action Free Speech Coalition] that specifically lists all bills pushing for any form of "Age verification".
*[https://www.badinternetbills.com/ Bad Internet Bills] is a website listing quote "bad internet bills" in a easily accessible manner.
*[https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker US State Privacy Legislation Tracker] is a sub site of the domain [https://iapp.org/ Iapp] that tracks many but not all pro-privacy or consumer '''U.S''' bills that have passed or not. This includes bills that support consumer rights & bills that businesses are obligated to comply with. (Click [https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf here] to view the chart & [https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg here] to view the map in the '''U.S''')

==External Links==

*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-bills/
*https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/
*https://www.badinternetbills.com/
*https://iapp.org/resources/article/us-state-privacy-legislation-tracker
*https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt76d030a1054f612a/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker.pdf
*https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltd4dd5b2d705252bc/blt8134a824fbb924de/us_state_privacy_legislation_tracker_map.jpg

==Further Reading==

*[[:Category:Legislation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Anti-privacy legislation]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-28T23:58:22Z

H0l0: fixed typo

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-28T23:49:34Z

H0l0: added states/countries in the table

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-28T23:30:19Z

H0l0: still need to add summaries btw, and there may be way more legislation from the past(going off of the begin of the article were it states that such legislation has been pushed in the last decade or so)

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-28T22:53:39Z

H0l0: just in case save

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-28T22:22:33Z

H0l0: going to add WAYY more legislation, buckle up boys

User:H0l0

2026-02-28T16:34:03Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[Anti-privacy legislation]](Made major contributions)
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations)
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages, put Wikipedia portions of the article in block quotes, added subsection under "Police Partnerships")
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-28T16:32:52Z

H0l0: made some major improvements to the article

File:Activision.svg

2026-02-24T00:11:04Z

H0l0:

Logo for Activision

Ad block

2026-02-23T22:41:24Z

H0l0: added an image

[[Wikipedia:ad blocking|'''Ad blocking''']] Is a form of user customization of information presentation. For instance, to selectively not display information of little interest to the user, or content the user deems harmful or offensive, or to conserve resources by not processing some information. Blocking ads can increase security, improve accessibility, speed up devices, and make devices more reliable (decrease network traffic, decrease processor/memory usage).

==Consumer impact summary==
[[Advertising overload|Advertising is pervasive online]], and increasingly showing up in devices (e.g., [[Samsung ads in refrigerators|refrigerators]], [[Stellantis in-car advertisements|cars]], operating systems, televisions). Ad block can help consumers [[Right to own|own their own devices]] by controlling what the devices do. Advertisements can be dangerous, by misleading or distracting the user, and by tracking or damaging the device. Many sources, including US government agencies, suggest ad block as a way of enhancing security. There are efforts to use copyright law (e.g., DMCA/spotify/revanced, and German court case) to force consumers to play ads or run other programs on devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Claburn |first=Thomas |date=2025-08-15 |title=No more Blocktoberfest? German court throws book at ad blockers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/15/german_court_ruling_ad_blocking/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260113010801/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/15/german_court_ruling_ad_blocking/ |archive-date=13 Jan 2026|website=The Register}}</ref>

==Ad Blocker Examples==
Some of the add-ons / extensions / plug-ins below are not necessarily ad-blocking software but do contribute to blocking advertisements or reduce or eliminate the amount of data you share online.

===<big>Internet Browsers</big>===
A for Android, i for iOS, L for Linux, W for Windows

Browser base: C for Chromium, F for Firefox

If a browser is not listed "officially" for an add-on in the table below but shares the "Based on" attribute with a browser that is, it may (but is not guaranteed to) work with that browser.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Based on
!"Do Not Track" feature
!DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
![https://noscript.net/ NoScript]
![https://privacybadger.org/ Privacy Badger]
![https://ublockorigin.com/ uBlock Origin]
|-
|'''[https://brave.com/ Brave]'''
|C
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.google.com/chrome/ Chrome]'''
|C
|
|
|L, W
|
|
|-
|'''[https://duckduckgo.com/app DuckDuckGo]'''
|C
|A
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://microsoft.com/edge Edge]'''
|C
|
|
|L, W
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.firefox.com/ Firefox]'''
|F
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|-
|'''[https://www.firefox.com/an/channel/desktop/developer/ Firefox Developer Edition]'''
|F
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|-
|[https://mullvad.net/en/browser Mullvad Browser]
|F
|L, W
|
|L, W
|
|L, W
|-
|'''[https://www.opera.com/ Opera]'''
|C
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.apple.com/safari/ Safari]'''
| -
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|[https://www.torproject.org/ Tor Browser]
|F
|A, L, W
|
|A, L, W
|
|
|-
|'''[https://vivaldi.com/ Vivaldi]'''
|C
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.waterfox.net/ Waterfox]'''
|F
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|}

==Ad block Countermeasures==

===Dishonest countermeasures===

====1. Purposefully taking longer to load/not loading CSS portions of a website to shift the blame onto the ad blocker====

====2. Utilizing pop-ups & overlays to deter ad block usage====
Owners & developers of domains & websites can detect ad blockers & make it significantly harder to access content by putting in countermeasures such as Pop-Ups & Overlays. Sometimes they go as far as using techniques that somewhat resemble the [[Consent-or-pay]] method in order to encourage others to disable their ad filtering tool.
[[File:3840px-Ad blocker warning example.svg.png|thumb|Example of an anti ad block pop up resembling the "Consent-or-pay" tactic]]

==Further Reading==

*[[Advertising overload]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Common terms]]

File:Ad blocker warning example.png

2026-02-23T22:39:45Z

H0l0:

Example of a "Consent-or-Pay" like pop-up for deterring ads.

Ad block

2026-02-23T21:38:36Z

H0l0: added "Ad block Countermeasures(incomplete!)"

[[Wikipedia:ad blocking|'''Ad blocking''']] Is a form of user customization of information presentation. For instance, to selectively not display information of little interest to the user, or content the user deems harmful or offensive, or to conserve resources by not processing some information. Blocking ads can increase security, improve accessibility, speed up devices, and make devices more reliable (decrease network traffic, decrease processor/memory usage).

==Consumer impact summary==
[[Advertising overload|Advertising is pervasive online]], and increasingly showing up in devices (e.g., [[Samsung ads in refrigerators|refrigerators]], [[Stellantis in-car advertisements|cars]], operating systems, televisions). Ad block can help consumers [[Right to own|own their own devices]] by controlling what the devices do. Advertisements can be dangerous, by misleading or distracting the user, and by tracking or damaging the device. Many sources, including US government agencies, suggest ad block as a way of enhancing security. There are efforts to use copyright law (e.g., DMCA/spotify/revanced, and German court case) to force consumers to play ads or run other programs on devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Claburn |first=Thomas |date=2025-08-15 |title=No more Blocktoberfest? German court throws book at ad blockers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/15/german_court_ruling_ad_blocking/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260113010801/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/15/german_court_ruling_ad_blocking/ |archive-date=13 Jan 2026|website=The Register}}</ref>

==Ad Blocker Examples==
Some of the add-ons / extensions / plug-ins below are not necessarily ad-blocking software but do contribute to blocking advertisements or reduce or eliminate the amount of data you share online.

===<big>Internet Browsers</big>===
A for Android, i for iOS, L for Linux, W for Windows

Browser base: C for Chromium, F for Firefox

If a browser is not listed "officially" for an add-on in the table below but shares the "Based on" attribute with a browser that is, it may (but is not guaranteed to) work with that browser.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Based on
!"Do Not Track" feature
!DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials
![https://noscript.net/ NoScript]
![https://privacybadger.org/ Privacy Badger]
![https://ublockorigin.com/ uBlock Origin]
|-
|'''[https://brave.com/ Brave]'''
|C
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.google.com/chrome/ Chrome]'''
|C
|
|
|L, W
|
|
|-
|'''[https://duckduckgo.com/app DuckDuckGo]'''
|C
|A
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://microsoft.com/edge Edge]'''
|C
|
|
|L, W
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.firefox.com/ Firefox]'''
|F
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|A, L, W
|-
|'''[https://www.firefox.com/an/channel/desktop/developer/ Firefox Developer Edition]'''
|F
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|-
|[https://mullvad.net/en/browser Mullvad Browser]
|F
|L, W
|
|L, W
|
|L, W
|-
|'''[https://www.opera.com/ Opera]'''
|C
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.apple.com/safari/ Safari]'''
| -
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|[https://www.torproject.org/ Tor Browser]
|F
|A, L, W
|
|A, L, W
|
|
|-
|'''[https://vivaldi.com/ Vivaldi]'''
|C
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''[https://www.waterfox.net/ Waterfox]'''
|F
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|L, W
|}

== Ad block Countermeasures ==

=== Dishonest countermeasures ===

==== 1. Purposefully taking longer to load/not loading CSS portions of a website to shift the blame onto the ad blocker ====

==== 2. Utilizing pop-ups & overlays to deter ad block usage ====
Owners & developers of domains & websites can detect ad blockers & make it significantly harder to access content by putting in countermeasures such as Pop-Ups & Overlays. Sometimes they go as far as using techniques that somewhat resemble the [[Consent-or-pay]] method in order to encourage others to disable their ad filtering tool.

==Further Reading==

*[[Advertising overload]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Common terms]]

Anti-privacy legislation

2026-02-23T21:35:53Z

H0l0: some nice additions(How it works, Why it is a problem, and a summary of the Texas Senate Bill 2420.

Apple

2026-02-22T21:10:57Z

H0l0: fixed citation error

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1976
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Apple logo (black).svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://apple.com/
|Description=Tech company known for hardware, software, and operating systems. Has repeatedly restricted device repairs and ability for users to downgrade their OS
}}

{{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services.

Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, [[Airpods|AirPods]], and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, Apple Arcade, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]].

==Incidents==

===Repairability of Apple products in the 2000s===
Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices.

===Hardware design issues in the 2010s===
Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the 2010s, often poorly acknowledged by the company and frequently charging exorbitant amounts for repair.

*High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-28 |title=Apple faces class-action lawsuit over 2011 MacBook Pro GPU issues |url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010222822/https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |archive-date=2025-10-10 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=9to5mac}}</ref>
*the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable skimping scandal<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jon |date=2019-05-05 |title=Apple quietly addressed ‘Flexgate’ issue with MacBook Pro redesign |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251224195648/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |archive-date=2025-12-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=2020-05-04 |title=The saga of Apple’s bad butterfly MacBook keyboards is finally over |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128222108/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |archive-date=2026-01-28 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's SSD failures<ref>{{Cite web |last=digilloyd |date=2020-04-03 |title=2019 MacBook Pro Seems to Have a High Failure Rate |url=https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708181056/https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Mac Performance Guide}}</ref>
*The announcement and cancellation of Apple AirPower<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple cancels AirPower product, citing inability to meet its high standards for hardware |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401040644/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-date=2019-04-01 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Juli |date=2018-09-12 |title=After No Sign of AirPower at Today's Event Apple Wipes Most Mentions From Website |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124170507/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |archive-date=2021-11-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=MacRumors}}</ref> due to overheating{{CitationNeeded|reason=no archived article mentioning overheating specifically}}

====Recent attempts to do better====
Recently, Apple has made efforts to improve its products, though some observers feel that its pro-consumer practices still do not match those of certain other manufacturers. This shift is thought by some to be influenced by evolving legislation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=2022-10-26 |title=Apple to put USB-C connectors in iPhones to comply with EU rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212030935/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |archive-date=2026-02-12 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> 

This includes:

*Opening an online [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] parts store.
*Making the back glass of iPhones removable starting from iPhone 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiens |first=Kyle |date=2022-09-16 |title=Inside Apple’s Secret iPhone 14 Redesign |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116032657/https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |archive-date=2026-01-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixIt}}</ref>
*Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new EU legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Installing apps through alternative app distribution in the European Union |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223191001/https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |archive-date=2025-12-23 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
*Calibration tools for newly installed used parts in iOS 18,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Use Repair Assistant to finish an iPhone or iPad repair |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260208125243/https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |archive-date=2026-02-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref> which sometimes work.{{CitationNeeded}}
*An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sorrel |first=Charlie |date=2024-11-12 |title=All Hail the Return of Upgradeable Storage! Mac mini 2024 Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251116041530/https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |archive-date=2025-11-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixit}}</ref>
*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 16 Plus Battery |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018203540/https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |archive-date=2025-10-18 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
Many of these items have sparked allegations of [[Malicious Compliance]] and being introduced purely to make stricter right for repair legislation appear unnecessary to legislators while not doing much to improve the situation for consumers. 

For instance, pricing for parts on the [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] store is virtually identical to having the part replaced by Apple themselves (including both the price of the part and labor), alternate app installation options are limited to users in the EU, still require developers to be registered with Apple, have them approve the apps and in many cases paying them fees, and the upgradeable SSDs do not use common standards such as M.2 NVME. Unlike standard SSDs, they are also not always swappable between different models and require access to a second Apple computer to provision after installation.

===Operating system downgrades===
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version that is no longer signed by Apple. In most cases, only the most recent version is signed. Some exceptions exist, such as certain Apple TV models and Apple Silicon Macs. Downgrading the Apple TV 4K series is not possible at all due to the lack of a USB port. On Macs with a T2 chip, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607083624/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |archive-date=7 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

*No Security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC).
*Medium Security: Allow any OS that is signed with a secure boot certificate (default, same as turning on secure boot on a PC).
*Full Security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS.

On Macs with Apple Silicon, the user can select from two modes of secure boot:

*Permissive Security: Accessible only via recovery Terminal tools (and still enforces Apple’s secure chain for much of the boot). This is the lowest available security policy on Apple silicon but does not remove secure boot entirely in the way “No Security” used to.
*Reduced Security: Allows booting older versions of macOS trusted by Apple but still enforces signed OS policy.
*Full Security: Only the currently signed macOS version trusted by Apple can boot.

iOS devices only support Full Security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "ticket,"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=APTicket |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216234725/https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |archive-date=2026-02-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. Workarounds exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-27 |title=Firmware rendering |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021213054/https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |archive-date=2025-10-21 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> see the technical details on [[wikipedia:SHSH_blob|SHSH blobs]].

===Class action lawsuit===
Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gael |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Apple Starts Sending Out iPhone 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments. What to Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321051703/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref> Apple claimed that this change was to benefit users who have old failing batteries, and that it wasn't for planned obsolescence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Napolitano |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-08-18 |title=Millions of Apple customers to get payments of up to $90 in iPhone "batterygate" settlement. Here's what to know. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-iphone-payment-500-million-settlement-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251228042055/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-iphone-payment-500-million-settlement-what-to-know/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025|website=CBS News}}</ref> They later published software updates and an article explaining how users can opt out of this new "performance management" mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone battery and performance |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618231138/https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |archive-date=18 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vajpai |first=Shreeti |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=iOS Emulators / Simulators vs Real iOS Devices |url=https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519081214/https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |archive-date=19 May 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=ContextQA}}</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

===Parts availability===
Many parts are not available directly from Apple. Those that are available directly from Apple may be more expensive than paying Apple to repair your device. Parts available to certified repair centers are extremely limited. Apple does not stock current generation iPad parts within GSX (See Certified Repair Centers). A limited selection of iPad parts are available from iFixit, however this can exclude some flex PCBs necessary for repairing headphone jacks.

If an Apple iPhone has GPS calibration issues and or {{Wplink|Bluetooth}} connectivity issues, Apple will do their own diagnostics. You explain to the Apple employee how and when the issues occur and you explain in detail your methods to reproduce the issues. The issues occur when your phone is in your pocket while using navigation and when you hold your phone upside down while using your Apple Beats wireless headphones. After Apple runs their diagnostics and they are not able to detect the issues, they will move onto the next step which is fully resetting your device. This is considered a standard troubleshooting procedure. When you ask the Apple store manager if they would be willing to exchange your device for a similar model if they cannot fix your device they respond with "No, because these phones are designed to be fixed". After the software reset fail, Apple will require you to leave your phone with them so they can send it to their offsite repair facility for further diagnostics. After a few days, Apple will come to the conclusion that your phone requires an entire new midsection. When asked what was replaced, Apple will inform you that the entire inside has been replaced — essentially giving you a new phone (with a new IMEI, EID, etc.) apart from the casing and screen. {{CitationNeeded}}

===Diagnostic software availability===
Calibration software for some Apple devices has only recently become available to end users. End user calibration tools have only become accessible in iOS 18. Similar calibration tools have been available to Certified Repair Centers, but are generally limited as many parts are serialized, i.e. lid sensors on MacBooks. {{CitationNeeded}}

===Certified repair centers===
Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius]

===Advertisements in first party apps===
In 2014, Apple and the band U2 partnered to give all iTunes users a free digital copy of their newest album at the time, ''Songs of Innocence'', which was marketed as "the biggest album release ever in history".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|title=Apple & U2 Release “Songs of Innocence” Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers|date=2014-09-09|work=Apple Newsroom|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405230217/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Many users who didn't want the album couldn't remove it from their iTunes library due to the album being listed as a "past purchase" on their account (however the album could always be "hidden").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|title=Apple's Devious U2 Album Giveaway Is Even Worse Than Spam|date=2014-09-16|first=Vijith|last=Assar|work=WIRED|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530112829/https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|archive-date=2025-05-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reports speculated the deal was worth 100 million dollars and was done due to the band's declining popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|title=Apple's U2 Album Promotion Backfires|first=Nathan|last=Rott|date=2014-09-15|work=NPR|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601154245/https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|archive-date=2025-06-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Bono, a member of U2, wrote in his memoir how Tim Cook reportedly said how "there’s something not right about giving [U2's] art away for free" and "the whole point of what we’re trying to do at Apple is to not give away music free. The point is to make sure musicians get paid".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|title=Apple CEO Tim Cook thought U2 putting its album on your iPhone was ‘not right’—even though he did it anyway|first=Tristan|last=Bove|date=2022-10-24|work=Fortune|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127191141/https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|archive-date=2025-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2025, Apple added a promotional offer for F1 The Movie in their Wallet application.<ref>{{Cite web |title=F1 The Movie - News |url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109164811/https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |archive-date=2025-11-09 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Apple TV+ Press}}</ref> Users have mentioned how this could violate Apple's own policy on advertising, how the high price of Apple devices shouldn't justify first party ads, and the annoyance of seeing it.<ref>{{Cite web |author=u/african-nightmare |date=2025-06-24 |title=Getting ads in Apple Wallet, how to disable? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725194601/https://old.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-06-25 |work=Reddit}}</ref> For users on the iOS 26 beta, there is an option to disable "Offers & Promotions", with users on iOS 18 needing to disable notifications completely for the Wallet app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|title=iPhone customers upset by Apple Wallet ad pushing ‘F1’ movie|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2025-06-24|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624213223/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|archive-date=2025-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

===AirDrop censorship (''2022'')===
As a result of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Apple was pressured by the Chinese government to set a time limit for the AirDrop "everyone" option for iPhones due to its impact at scheduling protests against the government to avoid censorship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|title=Apple limits AirDrop in China after its use in protests|first=Jess|last=Weatherbed|date=2022-11-10|work=The Verge|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723112204/https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, the setting was applied to all iPhones worldwide to "mitigate unwanted file sharing", meaning users will need to set their airdrop setting manually every ten minutes instead of leaving it on permanently, leaving the only other options as "contacts only" and "receiving off".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|title=Apple globally censoring this iPhone communication feature deserves renewed scrutiny|first=Zac|last=Hall|date=2025-03-17|work=9To5Mac|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723142521/https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="Peanuts" TV Special Takeover===
In late October of 2020, Apple announced that its Apple TV+ service had become the exclusive home of the library of classic ''Peanuts'' animated specials, including ''A Charlie Brown Christmas'', ''It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'', and ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''. For almost 50 years, these beloved specials were shown once a year on free over-the-air TV, but as of 2020, anybody who wishes to watch them is now required to own a device that offers the Apple TV+ service and an active Apple TV+ subscription.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=2020-10-19 |title=Apple TV+ Says: Welcome, Great Pumpkin |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208132132/https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |archive-date=2025-12-08 |access-date=2025-11-05 |work=Vulture}}</ref>

===2024 Antitrust Lawsuit===
In March 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the "closed garden" ecosystem Apple creates surrounding its iPhones stifles competition and innovation. The lawsuit alleges that Apple is directly forcing customers to purchase and use iPhones and their accessories and software in several ways:

*Forcing mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to offer its best customer deals exclusively to those who purchase iPhones.
*Restricting the functionality of Super apps such as WeChat.
*Forcing in-app purchases through applications such as Fortnite to be made within the App Store and taking a part of the proceeds as commission pay.
*Restricting the use of third-party digital wallets and requiring users to exclusively use Apple Pay.
*Restricting how third-party message apps can interact with iMessage.
*Restricting their HomeKit home automation system and all compatible devices to work only on Apple's products and issuing cease & desist orders against emulators designed to make HomeKit compatible with third-party products.
*Restricting compatibility of third party smart watches.

Apple is expected to go to trial in early 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last=Liedtke |first=Michael |date=2025-06-30 |title=Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed |url=https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260205235908/https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |archive-date=2026-02-05 |access-date=2025-07-14 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>

===European Union USB-C Directive 2022/2380===
As part of Directive (EU) 2022/2380, the EU mandated that all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, and other portable electronic devices must utilize USB-C as a universal charging standard by the end of 2024, with laptops following by 2026. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-07 |title=Directive (EU) 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment (Text with EEA relevance) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817091803/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |archive-date=2025-08-17 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref>

This regulatory measure directly addresses consumer frustration with incompatible chargers types and aims to significantly reduce electronic waste. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=USB-C-Standard: Schluss mit dem Kabelwirrwarr |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=zdfheute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215214259/https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> The legislation allows manufacturers to unbundle chargers from devices, potentially saving consumers money, and ensures charging speed harmonization across compatible devices.

While Apple initially opposed the standardization, arguing that it would "stifle innovation rather than encourage it," the company ultimately conceded defeat, with Apple's head of marketing stating "we have no choice" regarding compliance. <ref name=":2" />

===European Digital Markets Act.===
This law forced many companies including Apple to change the way they operate to create a fairer competition. Read more about this law [[Digital Markets Act|here]].

====Changes Apple introduced iOS and iPadOS to comply with this law:====

*Introduced the ability to install applications from alternative marketplaces
*asks which browser and search engine should be the default one
*Developers now are allowed to publish in the EU browsers that do not use webkit

====Controversies:====

*Apple removed iPhone torrenting app iTorrent from alternative marketplace AltStore PAL, developer said that the access was revoked "without any warning". In a statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=August 28, 2025 |title=Apple pulls iPhone torrent app from AltStore PAL in Europe |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903102041/https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |archive-date=September 3, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

===Elon Musk Lawsuit===
In August of 2025, businessman Elon Musk accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive practices by only allowing their AI program OpenAI to reach the top of the sales chart on Apple App Store. He announced his plan to sue Apple for this practice.<ref>{{cite web |last=Durden |first=Tyler |date=2025-08-12 |title=Musk Accuses Apple Of "Unequivocal Antitrust Violation" For Favoring OpenAI In App Store Rankings |url=https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029051235/https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |archive-date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2025-08-14 |work=ZeroHedge}}</ref> 

<gallery>
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (1).jpg|Notification of the offer
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (2).jpg|Home screen of Wallet app
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (3).jpg|Apple Cash card screen
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (4).PNG|Screen when selecting "learn more"
</gallery>

===Greenwashing===
Apple claims to be environmentally friendly and invests significant amounts of funds in corresponding PR campaigns,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environment {{!}} Mother Nature |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928112101/https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |archive-date=2025-09-28 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>  but the reality is not quite as green.

Customers are lead to think that their purchases and frequent replacement of their devices do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is not the case.

In autumn of 2025, stricter EU regulations on misleading marketing claims and a lawsuite by German environmental and consumer protection non-profit organization ''Deutsche Umwelthilfe'' have forced Apple to remove their claim of carbon neutrality on several products on their EU websites. Affected products include the Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwan |first=Ben |date=2025-11-26 |title=Wegen EU-Regeln: Apple zieht Klimaneutralitäts-Claim zurück [Due to EU regulations: Apple retracts claim of climate neutrality] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129120129/https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |archive-date=2026-01-29 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Heise Online}}</ref>

====Green energy pooling====
Apple shares manufacturing capacity at Chinese/Taiwanese companies FoxConn and Pegatron with other companies. If Apple uses a hypothetical 20% of their manufacturing capacity, and company B, C, D, and E also each take up 20%, and the company doing the manufacturing runs on 20% renewably generated energy, now Apple as well as companies B, C, D, and E will each publicly claim that their manufacturing runs 100% on renewable energy. In other words, each company will claim the 20% renewable energy was used for ''their'' production.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gieselmann |first=Hartmut |date=2023 |title=Von wegen CO2-neutral – Umweltexperten werfen Apple Greenwashing vor |url=https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |journal=c't Magazin für Computertechnik [Germany] |volume=2023 |issue=23 |pages=49 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104112550/https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |archive-date=2025-11-04}}</ref>

====CO<small>2</small> Certificates and forest projects====
…

====The packaging trick====
Apple, like many companies, regularly emphasises how environmentally friendly their packaging is and highlight advancements in this area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple 2030 – We’ve reduced our emissions by over 60% |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910014941/https://www.apple.com/environment/ |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>

This deliberately distracts from the fact that only a negligible fraction of the environmental footprint of an electronic device comes from the packaging, as it is made of siginificant amounts or rare earth minerals, metals and mined components and consuming vast amounts of energy, water and fuel in manufacturing and transport.

Some of the environmental advancements touted by Apple could also be argued to be environmentally beneficial side effects of purely economic decisions aimed at maximizing profit, such as shipping iPhones without chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragan |first=Lauren |date=2023-09-12 |title=iPhones No Longer Come With a Charger or Headphones. Here’s What to Get If You Need Them. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731104206/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |archive-date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

====Shredding vast amounts of fully functional devices====
In 2020, it came to light that Apple had filed a lawsuit against a recycling company, revealing that 100,000 iPhones had been illegitimately shipped to China to be sold there instead of being shredded as had been agreed with Apple.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lovejoy |first=Ben |date=2024-04-24 |title=100,000 iPhones stolen instead of scrapped; Apple accused of shredding usable devices |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725022423/https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=9to5mac}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carrique |first=Felicitas |date=2020-10-04 |title=Apple sues recycling partner for reselling more than 100,000 iPhones, iPads, and Watches it was hired to dismantle |url=https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101232447/https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |archive-date=2026-01-01 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

These devices were likely trade-in devices from people who received a discount on a new model in exchange. Bloomberg News writes, referring to the contract with the recycler:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2024-04-18 |title=What Really Happens When You Trade In an iPhone at the Apple Store |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/apple-iphone-recycling-program-has-secrets |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829001431/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/apple-iphone-recycling-program-has-secrets |archive-date=29 Aug 2025|access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref><blockquote>Even if the iPhones looked good enough for resale, Apple Inc.’s contract with GEEP (said with a hard “g”) explicitly required that every product it sent be destroyed.</blockquote>Used iPhone that are sold on the used market are a direct competition to new sales by Apple.

Apple likely does not want the public to know about these processes, since security seems to be tight around the shredding process:<blockquote>In some cases, Apple hired outside security consultants to escort trucks to its recyclers and monitor the destruction process, which the tech giant could further analyze through data reports charting scrap weights and commodity yields to ensure the input matched the output.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2025-03-17 |title=Apple Drops Lawsuit Against Recycler in Mystery of Missing iPhones |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829001416/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref></blockquote>Apple later retreated the lawsuit,<ref name=":1" /> leading to speculation that it wanted to avoid having to disclose how many devices they are really having shredded. 

====iPhone recycling robot mostly a publicity stunt====
The first iteration of Apple's iPhone recycling robot, designed for the iPhone 6, was never more than a publicity stunt, according to an article by Bloomberg:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Liam’s precision automation, however, proved a dead end. It could handle just one iPhone model, and not that well. If a device had corroded screws or sticky insides, the robot would glitch. A person familiar with the project estimates Liam could run for about 10 minutes without human intervention. Another person says Apple at times fed the robot still-functioning iPhones and, for media demos, cherry-picked cleaner units so it didn’t crash, suggesting Liam was geared more for promotion than scalability.</blockquote>The same article cites industry insider claiming that the new iteration of the robot is only able to recycle as many devices in a year as Apple sells in just 48 hours.<ref name=":0" /> Thus, it can be assumed that the vast majority of trade-in devices are simply shredded.

==Products==

*[[ICloud]]
*[[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]]
*iPad
*Mac
*Apple Watch
*AirPods
*Apple TV
*Apple Vision
*Apple Pencil

*[[Apple App Store]]
*[[Apple Gatekeeper]]
*[[Xcode]]

==See also==

*[[Google]]
*[[Microsoft]]
*[[Samsung]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Apple]]

Android data collection

2026-02-22T21:09:18Z

H0l0: added some links to other pages

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Google
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=Unresolved
|ProductLine=
|Product=Android, Google Pixel
|ArticleType=
|Type=Privacy
|Description=Google and Android phones alike deliberately collect user information, even when they choose to opt-out.
}}
This article addresses the manner in which Android phones share personal user information with [[Google]], usually in a complete user unaware and unapproved way, and the legal consequences Google has endured for deceptive practices in users' location tracking. This article also discusses non-Google OEM privacy concerns with companies who implement their own modified version of Android such as [[Samsung]] and [[Xiaomi]].

==Background==
'''[[Android]]''', the global top mobile operating system,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221164626/https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide |archive-date=21 Feb 2026|access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[StatCounter]]}}</ref> is used to power billions of devices globally. Tests have shown that Android phones with [[List of Google products|Google Services]] transmit user data to Google on multiple occasions even when users try to restrict sharing of data via settings. This has encouraged increasing alarm over user privacy, transparency, and personal data control.

A study found that data collection happens without any chance to opt out even before the user has even opened their first app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Connor |date=4 Mar 2025 |title=How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/04/google_android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214065909/https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/04/google_android/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-03-05 |website=The Register}}</ref>

Moreover, most phone vendors do their own tracking on top and pre-install so-called [[bloatware]] in exchange for payment from the respective company, such as social media and shopping apps [[Meta]], [[TikTok]], Aliexpress, [[EBay]], …), which transmit data in the background without user consent even if the apps are never even opened and the user never agreed to their TOS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trinity College Dublin |date=October 11, 2021 |title=Study reveals scale of data-sharing from Android mobile phones |url=https://techxplore.com/news/2021-10-reveals-scale-data-sharing-android-mobile.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117171125/https://techxplore.com/news/2021-10-reveals-scale-data-sharing-android-mobile.html |archive-date=17 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-03-05 |website=TechXplore}}</ref>

==Data sharing with Google==
A research examined the frequency of data sharing between Google and Android phones with Google services.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Leith |first=Douglas J. |date=25 Mar 2021 |title=Mobile Handset Privacy: Measuring The Data iOS and Android Send to Apple And Google |url=https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/apple_google.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219165022/https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/apple_google.pdf |archive-date=19 Dec 2025|access-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> The research showed that even if an Android phone is set to minimal setting and left on its own, it shares data with Google on average every 4.5 minutes. The shared data includes sensitive information like:

*IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)

*Hardware serial number
*SIM serial number and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)
*Handset phone number

In addition, Google services on Android sends telemetry data to Google even when customers directly decline to have their data collected. For instance, each time a SIM card is inserted into the device, Google services sends its information to Google automatically.

Data exchanged with Google by Google Messages and Google Dialer applications on an Android smartphone was also researched.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leith |first=Douglas J. |date=28 Feb 2022 |title=What Data Do The Google Dialer and Messages Apps On Android Send to Google? |url=https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/privacyofdialerandsmsapps.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219161507/https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/privacyofdialerandsmsapps.pdf |archive-date=19 Dec 2025|access-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> These applications report to Google whenever messages are being sent/received or calls are being received/made. Precisely:

*Google Messages sends a message text hash so Google can match the sender and receiver in a message exchange.
*Google Dialer also transmits call time and call duration to Google for linking both devices for a call.
*Both of the apps forward phone numbers to Google.
*Both user interaction timing and duration with both apps are also forwarded to Google in addition to the above.

No exemption option exists in the data transmission. Data comes through two pathways:

#The [[wikipedia:Google_Play_Services|Google Play Services]] Clearcut logger.
#Google/Firebase Analytics.

===Location History Lawsuit===
Google misled some Android users into thinking that the setting titled “Location History” was the only Google account setting that affected whether the company collected, kept and used personally identifiable data about their location. In fact, another account setting titled “Web & App Activity” also enabled Google to collect, store and use personally identifiable location data when it was turned on, and that setting was turned on by default.

For this, Google was sued in the United States and in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gatlan |first=Sergiu |date=14 Nov 2022 |title=Google will pay $391M to settle Android location tracking lawsuit |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-will-pay-391m-to-settle-android-location-tracking-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218125205/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-will-pay-391m-to-settle-android-location-tracking-lawsuit/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026|access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[BleepingComputer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Aug 2022 |title=Google LLC to pay $60 million for misleading representations |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/google-llc-to-pay-60-million-for-misleading-representations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jn1fd |archive-date=17 Aug 2022 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ACCC]]}}</ref>
==Data sharing with OEM’s custom Android==
==Privacy respecting alternatives==
Not many alternatives are available to users for completely avoiding this data sharing. Attempts to disable data collection via settings, Android integration with Google services does make it impossible to fully discontinue the passing on of person and device details.<ref name=":0" />

The use of [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] or privacy-focused applications, do cut down on sharing data, these are likely to require technical know-how and are not necessarily in the hands of the average user.

In general, Google services which are the source of most of the data collection serve two functions:

#Application dependencies, like network location services, debugging tooling, advertising services etc.
#Application distribution

A privacy replacing alternative should therefore have an alternative for these functions.

The only fully degoogled alternate configuration comprises of MicroG applications, which is an open source reimplementation of Google services. It provides necessary dependencies so that most of the applications which depend on Google services can function on a device without those Google services.

Another option is [https://grapheneos.org/ GrapheneOS], an optionally degoogled privacy and security focused Android ROM. While not replacing google play services completely, GrapheneOS offers a sandboxed version of the google play services. The sandboxing allows users to control the permissions of the google play services, limiting the privacy risk they pose. GrapheneOS has many other privacy features like more control over app permissions and automatic time-based Wifi and Bluetooth off switches. Despite these features, users may choose not to consider this Android ROM due to its development history and other controversies.<ref> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4To-F6W1NT0</ref><ref> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7CZ-2Bajg</ref>

As for application distribution, alternate channels, such as [https://f-droid.org/ F-droid], [https://auroraoss.com/aurora-store Aurora Store], [https://accrescent.app/ Accrescent], and [https://obtainium.imranr.dev/ Obtanium], do exist. These alternative application sources allow users to install applications of their choosing without a single entity to regulate the applications.
These application sources have different uses, with F-droid acting as an app store for only free and open source apps, Aurora Store acts as an anonymized version of the Google Play Store, Accrescent focuses on app-installation security, and Obtanium acts as an update-grabber from code repositories like Github, Gitlab, and Codeberg.

[https://murena.com/ Murena], Fairphone and [https://iode.tech/ Iodé] sells devices pre-installed with de-googled Android based on [https://lineageos.org/ LineageOS] and MicroG, making privacy friendly Android phones accessible to non-technical users. However, the operating system called /e/ on Murena devices has a history of not always addressing security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duval |first=Gael |date=Sep 2023 |title=Some clarification regarding security vs privacy in /e/OS |url=https://community.e.foundation/t/some-clarification-regarding-security-vs-privacy-in-e-os/51839 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107035830/https://community.e.foundation/t/some-clarification-regarding-security-vs-privacy-in-e-os/51839 |archive-date=7 Nov 2025|access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[e]]}}</ref> However the situation is still much better than the millions of phones in active use that no longer get manufacturer support.

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Android]]
[[Category:Data collection]]

User:H0l0

2026-02-22T18:20:49Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations)
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages, put Wikipedia portions of the article in block quotes, added subsection under "Police Partnerships")
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Ring

2026-02-22T18:18:59Z

H0l0: updated the comment at the top of the article

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2013
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Ring.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://ring.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Ring_(company)|Ring]]''' is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by [[Amazon]], who acquired Ring in 2018.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250825111219/https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ Archived])</ref> Ring's products include their flagship Video Doorbell devices, as well as a number of cameras designed for mounting on the interior or exterior of properties.

The Ring line of devices have been involved in a number of controversies, largely related to the handling of user data. All data generated by a Ring device, including camera feeds, is processed on Amazon's servers. There have been a number of controversies relating to how this information is processed and with whom it is shared, with particular concern stemming from previously widespread internal access to Ring device data<ref name="FTC Report" />, as well as the sharing of data with various law enforcement agencies<ref name="BBC" />.
==Lawsuits==

===2023 FTC settlement===
In a complaint first announced in May 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] says that Ring deceived its customers by failing to restrict employees’ and contractors’ access to its customers’ videos, using its customer videos to train algorithms without consent, and failing to implement security safeguards. These practices led to egregious violations of users’ privacy.<ref name="FTC Report">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=FTC Sends Refunds to Ring Customers Stemming from 2023 Settlement over Charges the Company Failed to Block Employees and Hackers from Accessing Consumer Videos |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |website=FTC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206034223/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> The stated failure in security safeguard implementation is the result of a 2019 data breach where the log-in credentials for 3,672 Ring camera owners were compromised, exposing log-in emails, passwords, time zones, and the names people give to specific Ring cameras. Using the log-in email and password, an intruder could access a Ring customer’s home address, telephone number, and payment information, including the kind of card they have, and its last four digits and security code. An intruder could also access live camera footage from all active Ring cameras associated with an account, as well as a 30- to 60-day video history, depending on the user’s [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users|title=A Data Leak Exposed The Personal Information Of Over 3,000 Ring Users|first=Caroline|last=Haskins|date=2019-12-19|work=Buzzfeed |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217101243/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>

[[Ring]] settled the complaint for a sum of around $5.6 million to the 117,044 individuals who filed with the complaint, meaning the individual reimbursement was only around $60 per claim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/04/ring-agrees-to-pay-5-6-million-after-cameras-were-used-to-spy-on-customers|title=Ring agrees to pay $5.6 million after cameras were used to spy on customers|date=2024-04-25|work=Malwarebytes Labs|first=Pieter|last=Arntz|access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>; despite some users having lost privacy to highly sensitive videos as many users installed the cameras in sensitive spaces such as bedrooms for both adults and children.

==Vulnerabilities==
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Vulnerabilities|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In January 2019, it was uncovered that employees at Ring's two offices had access to the video recordings from all Ring devices.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wiggers|first=Kyle|date=January 10, 2019|title=Ring employees reportedly had access to all live and recorded customer videos|work=VentureBeat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/|access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220706094119/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/ |archive-date=6 Jul 2022}}</ref> In addition, ''The Intercept'' reported that the video data was stored unencrypted.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=January 10, 2018|title=For Owners of Amazon's Ring Security Cameras, Strangers May Have Been Watching Too|work=The Intercept|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/|access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162231/https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a December 2019 test, ''Motherboard'' found that Ring's software did not implement security features such as recognizing unknown IP addresses or providing a display of active login sessions, allowing the publication to access a Ring account from IP addresses based in multiple countries without warning the user.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Joseph|last1=Cox|access-date=February 20, 2020|title=We Tested Ring's Security. It's Awful|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security|date=December 17, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200928122245/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security |archive-date=28 Sep 2020}}</ref>

The Neighbors network leaks metadata about the footage posted in videos and "crime alerts". This metadata, combined with public city map data, is frequently sufficient to discover the exact location of the Ring doorbell or a camera. In one experiment, ''Gizmodo'' located 20,000 devices based on information collected (scraped from the app) over a period of month. University researchers were able to locate 440,000 devices using data spanning back to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring's Hidden Data Let Us Map Amazon's Sprawling Home Surveillance Network|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=Gizmodo|date=December 9, 2019|language=en-us |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163124/https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified a vulnerability in the Ring Video Doorbell Pro product in July 2019, which was patched before being publicly disclosed in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Palmer|first1=Danny|date=November 7, 2019|title=Amazon fixes Ring Video Doorbell wi-fi security vulnerability|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=ZDNet |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251009165958/https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/ |archive-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Alfred|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring doorbells had vulnerability leaking Wi-Fi login info, researchers find|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210219004814/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro Under the Scope|url=https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=Bitdefender |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222234028/https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref> Hackers accessed a number of Ring cameras in December 2019 and used the device speakers to broadcast racial slurs, threats, and other inflammatory language to multiple households across the United States.<ref name="Vice podcast">{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=December 12, 2019|title=Inside the Podcast that Hacks Ring Camera Owners Live on Air|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200913125207/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast |archive-date=13 Sep 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Murdock|first1=Jason|date=December 10, 2019|title=Ring camera hacker uses home security system to spew racial slurs at Florida family|url=https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Newsweek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115121626/https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howerton|first=Matt|date=December 11, 2019|title=Hacker says, 'pay bitcoin ransom or get terminated,' through couple's Ring security cameras|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WFAA |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231005180103/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94 |archive-date=5 Oct 2023}}</ref> A ''Motherboard'' investigation discovered crime forums that distributed software exploits of Ring devices that were used in the cyberattacks, and that members of the hacking forum Nulled had been recording their breaches as "podcasts".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Cole|first2=Samantha|date=December 11, 2019|title=How Hackers Are Breaking Into Ring Cameras|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200920060332/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras |archive-date=20 Sep 2020}}</ref> Ring responded to the incidents by advising its users to have strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and adopt other security measures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Holley|first1=Jessica|title=Family says hackers accessed a Ring camera in their 8-year-old daughter's room|url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WMC Action News 5|date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210724192131/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2021}}</ref> Ring mandated two-factor authentication for all users on February 18, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 19, 2020|title=Ring makes two-step verification mandatory|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=BBC News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162452/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Song|first=Victoria|date=February 18, 2020|title=Ring Finally Rolls Out Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication After Privacy Scandals|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=Gizmodo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163648/https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref></blockquote>

==Controversies==

===Subscription required for local storage===
[[Ring]] security cameras are a premium line of security cameras.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131837/https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why Archived])</ref> There are different subscriptions possible, there is basic, standard and premium.<ref name=":0">https://ring.com/plans; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250124214629/https://ring.com/plans Archive link of 2025-01-24]</ref> Ring cameras are [[Cloud (service)|cloud-first]], and with these subscriptions comes different variants of [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage for the video footage that your cameras record. There is also an additional product that you can buy, and for local recordings there is even a must buy for the more premium products.<ref>https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163915/https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro Archived])</ref> To record locally to a MicroSD card, you need the Ring Alarm Pro base station ($249.99)<ref>https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250108152541/https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station Archive link of 2025-01-08]</ref> and what is called "Ring Edge for Alarm Pro" in your subscription. The only subscription that offers this feature is the most expensive subscription, which is the premium subscription, costing $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.<ref name=":0" />

===Police partnerships===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Police_partnerships|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In June 2019, Ring faced criticism over a "Community Alert" program, under which the company has made geographically-targeted sponsored posts on social media services such as [[Meta|Facebook]], asking readers to provide tips on suspects in verified cases, based on imagery posted on the Neighbors service by a Ring customer. Ring stated that it sought permission from the user before using their content in this manner. However, these discoveries did lead to concerns over the use of such footage in material deemed to effectively be advertising, as well as concerns over other possible uses of the footage (such as for training facial recognition) due to the wide copyright license that users must grant to in order to use Neighbors (an irrevocable, unlimited, and royalty-free license to use shared content "for any purpose and in any media formats in any media channels without compensation to you"), and Ring's partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reichert|first=Corinne|title=Ring puts suspected thief in Facebook sponsored ads|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/|access-date=June 18, 2019|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201127201634/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Alba|first1=Davey|last2=Mac|first2=Ryan|date=June 7, 2019|title=Amazon's Doorbell Camera Company Is Using Security Video For Ads. That May Only Be The Beginning.|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116071705/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future criticized Ring for using its cameras and Neighbors app to build a private surveillance network via partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, which encourage them to promote the products. The group stated that these partnerships "undermine our democratic process and basic civil liberties".<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005|title=Amazon's Ring doorbell police tie-up criticised|work=BBC News|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|language=en-GB |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164103/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/|title=This map tells you where police have partnered with Amazon's Ring|last=Ng|first=Alfred|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201108021709/https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/ |archive-date=8 Nov 2020}}</ref> According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Ring used these partnerships and its marketing strategies to foster fear, which leads to a "vicious cycle" that spurs hardware sales. The organization said that Ring, as well as Neighbors and similar "neighborhood watch" apps such as Citizen and Nextdoor, "facilitate reporting of so-called 'suspicious' behavior that really amounts to racial profiling."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats|title=Amazon's Ring Is a Perfect Storm of Privacy Threats|last=Guariglia|first=Matthew|date=August 8, 2019|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104152148/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats |archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref> Matt Cagle of the American Civil Liberties Union said that the Ring Neighbors Portal "blurs the line between corporate and government surveillance" and that "Many people are not going to feel like they have a choice when law enforcement asks for access to their footage".<ref name="Intercept">{{cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=February 14, 2019|title=Amazon's Home Surveillance Chief Declared War on "Dirtbag Criminals" as Company Got Closer to Police|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/|access-date=January 17, 2020|website=The Intercept |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164207/https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In July 2019, Vice publication ''Motherboard'' obtained records revealing the extent of Ring's partnership with the Lakeland (Florida) Police Department (LPD). The department was granted access to a "Law Enforcement Neighborhood Portal" for making posts on Neighbors and the ability to "request videos directly from Ring users," and received a donation of 15 Ring cameras. However, the memorandum of understanding stated that the LPD would be required to participate in "outreach efforts on the platform to encourage adoption of the platform/app" (receiving $10 credits for Ring camera purchases for each new user). Ring also recommended that the LPD establish specific new positions for the partnership, including a "social media coordinator".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=July 25, 2019|title=Amazon Requires Police to Shill Surveillance Cameras in Secret Agreement|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200923141543/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement |archive-date=23 Sep 2020}}</ref> Later in the month, ''Motherboard'' obtained public records containing an officer's notes from an April 2019 training webinar, which stated that Ring had partnered with at least 200 law enforcement partners.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Maiberg|first2=Emanuel|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|last4=Koebler|first4=Jason|date=July 29, 2019|title=Amazon Told Police It Has Partnered With 200 Law Enforcement Agencies|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200903114936/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies |archive-date=3 Sep 2020}}</ref> In early August 2019, ''Motherboard'' also reported that Ring would match payments by cities to cover the subsidized purchase of Ring cameras, so that they could be resold to residents at a discount.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|date=August 2, 2019|title=US Cities Are Helping People Buy Amazon Surveillance Cameras With Taxpayer Money|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200921052023/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money |archive-date=21 Sep 2020}}</ref>

In November 2020, a pilot program in Jackson, Mississippi, enabled participating Ring users to enable police to livestream their cameras at any time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holmes|first=Aaron|title=Police are tapping into residents' Ring doorbells and home security cameras to stream 24/7 live video|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11|access-date=November 11, 2020|website=Business Insider |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128223106/https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref></blockquote>
----

====Police gains access to user Michael Larkin's cameras via a search warrant placed on Ring====
In '''November 24th''', small business owner Michael Larkin had received a phone call from the police, requesting access to his '''Ring''' doorbell camera In order to gather more evidence for a drug-related Investigation. ''Michael'' had complied and sent clips of a car that drove by his camera 12 times from 5pm to 7pm , only for the police to request even more footage later that day, asking for footage around a whole day's worth.

On '''December 1st, 2022''', 1 week after the initial request for more footage, ''Larkin'' had received a letter by '''Ring''', which was placed on him when the company had received a search warrant by the local authorities & after the letter was signed by a local judge. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Alfred |date=7 Mar 2023 |title=The privacy loophole in your doorbell |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/07/privacy-loophole-ring-doorbell-00084979 |website=politico.com}}</ref>

The letter reads as follows:

<blockquote>'''FOR PROBABLE CAUSE SHOWN AND SUPPORTED BY THE AFFIDAVIT IN THE ATTACHED PAGE, SUCH AFFIDAVIT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN AND MADE PART OF THIS WARRANT BY REFERENCE THERETO, YOU ARE HEREBY ''COMMANDED'' IN THE NAME OF THE COMMON PLEAS COURT, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO TO''' '''ENTER''' '''AND SEARCH WITHIN THREE DAYS THE PREMISES AND/OR PERSONS DESCRIBED HERE''':

'''RING LLC. for:''' [REDACTED]

The following records / digital recordings and images / electronically stored data within RING LLC cloud based data storage system between the dates of '''10/25/22 at 00:00hrs (Eastern Standard Time) through 10/25/22 at 23:59hrs (Eastern Standard Time)''' in relation to RING LLC home security cameras located at [REDACTED]. RING LLC home security cameras are associated with the following email / account and are individually listed below with their associated MAC addresses as follows:

'''''[Information on Michael Larkin]'''''

'''FOR THE ARTICLES, BODIES, AND/OR SUBSTANCES ALLEGED TO BE PRESENT IN SAID AFFIDAVIT, AND BRING A WRITTEN INVENTORY OF SAID ARTICLES, BODIES, AND/OR SUBSTANCES, TOGETHER WITH ANY PERSON NAMED THEREIN TO BE SEIZED, BEFORE THE JUDGE OF THE COMMON PLEAS COURT, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO AND TO MAKE RETURN OF THIS WARRANT ACCORDING TO LAW TO SAID JUDGE.'''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1 Dec 2022 |title=Ring Search Warrant {{!}} State of Ohio Butler County, Common Pleas Court |url=https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/23693646-1671460929158_ring-sw-2104-1_redacted-scrubbed_redacted-scrubbed_redacted-scrubbed-highlighted1/?embed=1&responsive=1&title=1&mode=document |website=Document Cloud}}</ref></blockquote>The notice had stated that ''Larkin'' had within 3 days to send a whole day's worth of footage('''25 Oct 2022 - 26 Oct 2022''') from more than 20 of his ring cameras, even if ''Michael'' did not wish to comply.<ref name=":1" />

===Alleged use of facial recognition technology===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Alleged_use_of_facial_recognition_technology|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In February 2018, Business Insider reported references to use of facial recognition technology in Ring's privacy policy. The policy stated:<blockquote>Where permitted by applicable law, you may choose to use additional functionality in your Ring product that, through video data from your device, '''can recognize facial characteristics of familiar visitors'''. For example, you may want to receive different notifications from your Ring Doorbell depending on whether a visitor is a stranger or a member of your household. '''If you choose to activate this feature, we obtain certain facial feature information about the visitors you ask your Ring product to recognize'''. We require your explicit consent before you can take advantage of this feature.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Shona|title=Amazon's newest acquisition, the doorbell startup Ring, made a smart move to fend off Google|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2|access-date=2023-07-20|website=Business Insider|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162805/https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-25|title=Privacy {{!}} Ring|url=https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725110729/https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy}}</ref></blockquote>In December 2018, patents filed by Ring surfaced to identify "suspicious" people and automatically alert police.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amazon's Ring takes heat for considering facial recognition for its video doorbells|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023324/https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In August 2019, a Buzzfeed News reported, "Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research."" The piece reported on a 2018 presentation from Ring Ukraine's "Head of Face Recognition Research", as well as a statement from Ring Ukraine's website stating, "We develop semi-automated crime prevention and monitoring systems which are based on, but not limited to, face recognition."<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Nicole|last1=Nguyen|first2=Ryan|last2=Mac|date=2019-08-30|title=Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research"|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine|access-date=2023-07-20|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023425/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-23|title=Ring Ukraine|url=https://ring-ukraine.com/|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523100219/https://ring-ukraine.com/}}</ref>

Also in 2019, as part of his investigation into Ring's cooperation with law enforcement, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts probed the company's privacy policy's reference to use of facial recognition technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=September 2019 Inquiry Letter from Sen. Markey to Ring|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117092911/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Investigation into Amazon Ring Doorbell Reveals Egregiously Lax Privacy Policies and Civil Rights Protections {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-investigation-into-amazon-ring-doorbell-reveals-egregiously-lax-privacy-policies-and-civil-rights-protections|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> Amazon responded:<blockquote>We do not currently offer facial recognition technology in Ring products. This sentence in the Privacy Notice refers to a contemplated, but unreleased feature. We do frequently innovate based on customer demand, and facial recognition features are increasingly common in consumer security cameras today, such as: Google Nest Hello, Tend Secure Lynx, Netamo Welcome, Wisenet Smartcam, and Honeywell Smart Home Security. If our customers want these features in Ring security cameras, we will only release these feature with thoughtful design including privacy, security, and user control; and we will clearly communicate with our customers as we offer new features.<ref>{{Cite web|title=November 2019 Response from Amazon to Sen. Markey|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005210212/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2019, the Intercept reported on internal documents detailing "Proactive Suspect Matching". The feature would use facial recognition to group videos and create a profile of an alleged criminal based on Ring camera footage.<ref name="Intercept" /> Ring denied that the feature was in use or development.

In 2020, Ring posted a one-sentence position stance on their blog stating, "Ring does not use facial recognition technology in any of its devices or services, and will neither sell nor offer facial recognition technology to law enforcement."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ring|date=2020-08-20|title=Ring's Stance on Facial Recognition Technology|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Ring Blog|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164227/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2021, Senator Markey and his colleagues introduced the "Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senators Markey, Merkley Lead Colleagues on Legislation to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition, Other Biometric Technology {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-merkley-lead-colleagues-on-legislation-to-ban-government-use-of-facial-recognition-other-biometric-technology|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> A year later, Markey renewed his investigation into Ring,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Renews Investigation into Amazon Ring's Surveillance Practices and Cooperation with Police {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-renews-investigation-into-amazon-rings-surveillance-practices-and-cooperation-with-police|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> and in July 2022, Markey cited Ring's "[refusal] to commit to not incorporating facial recognition technology in its products" as evidence of the need for legislation to "prohibit use of biometric technology by federal agencies and condition federal grant funding to state and local entities on moratoria on the use of biometric technology."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey's Probe into Amazon Ring Reveals New Privacy Problems {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markeys-probe-into-amazon-ring-reveals-new-privacy-problems|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref>

[[Amazon]] has attempted to distance themselves from Ring Ukraine, the branch responsible for developing computer vision and facial recognition solutions. In a statement for release, the general manager of the Kyiv-based office commented, "We are no longer part of a small startup, but a full-fledged R&D center working for one of the world's largest corporations. [We are involved not only in Ring's product line but also in many other Amazon projects. That is,] We are a large Ukrainian team of specialists working on the world market." At legal's request, the general manager was asked to remove the reference to [[Amazon]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=2020-01-24|title=Ring Ukraine News Suppressed at Amazon's Request, Journalists Say|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Intercept|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116003522/https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/ |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref> "Ring Ukraine" was eventually rebranded as "Squad".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring Ukraine office need you to forget they are part of Amazon|url=https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=AIN.Capital|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240719174131/https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/ |archive-date=19 Jul 2024}}</ref></blockquote>
----

===Alleged user tracking===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Allegations_of_user_tracking|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>On January 27, 2020, the Electronic Frontier Foundation concluded that the Ring doorbell app for [[Android]] was sending identifiable personal information– including names, IP addresses, mobile network carriers, persistent IDs, and sensor data–to AppsFlyer, branch.io, [[Meta|Facebook]], and Mixpanel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers|title=Ring Doorbell App Packed with Third-Party Trackers|last=Budington|first=Bill|date=January 27, 2020|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120204644/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies|title=Amazon's Ring will let users opt out of sharing data with other companies|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=February 14, 2020|website=Fast Company|access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405183101/https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref></blockquote>
----

===Flock Safety ''(2025-2026)''===
{{Main|Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)}}
Flock and Ring have had a partnership since October 2025, with Flock stating in a blog post how the integration into Ring "makes it easier for neighbors to support one another while keeping control of their own information" and "helps officers save valuable time that would otherwise be spent knocking on doors".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities|title=Flock Safety and Ring Partner to Help Neighborhoods Work Together for Safer Communities|date=2025-10-31|website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163143/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Before this announcement, there have been many examples of the state and federal departments (namely DHS) in the United States utilizing the Flock Safety network questionably, despite Amazon stating Ring "does not give ICE videos, feeds, or back-end access".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock|title=Ring says it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras|first=Jennifer|last=Touhy|work=The Verge|date=2026-01-22 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123175555/https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> Laws such as the Third-Party Doctrine imply that information a user voluntarily shares with a third party is not protected by the Fourth Amendment, such as footage uploaded to Amazon's cloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-130/if-these-walls-could-talk-the-smart-home-and-the-fourth-amendment-limits-of-the-third-party-doctrine/|title=If These Walls Could Talk: The Smart Home and the Fourth Amendment Limits of the Third Party Doctrine|date=2017-05-09|work=Harvard Law Review|quote=In doing so, it held that there could not have been a reasonable expectation of privacy here due to the voluntary sharing of the information with a third party and the fact that Smith could not have had a reasonable expectation of privacy in something as nominally informative as the numbers he dialed}}</ref>

On February 12, Ring terminated its contract with [[Flock Safety]] over the integration requiring "significantly more time and resources than anticipated".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/|title=Ring and Flock Cancel Partnership|date=2026-02-12|author=Ring|work=Ring Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218143503/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> On Flock's part, they state "the integration never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership|title=Flock and Ring Cancel Announced Community Requests Integration|date=2026-02-12|work=Flock Safety|access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163236/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Search Party ''(2026)''===
On February 8, 2026, Ring would air a commercial for their "search party" feature for the Super Bowl. In the ad, the founder Jamie Siminoff states the feature has helped "more than a dog a day has been reunited with their family" out of 10 million a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/|title=With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet|date=2026-02-10|work=404Media|first=Jason|last=Koebler |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165139/https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Many Ring owners voiced concerns regarding this new feature, with those stating its dystopian and invasive nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1qzrts8/ring_search_party/|title=Ring “Search Party” |work=Reddit|author=u/Check123ok|date=2026-02-08}}</ref> This feature is opt-in by default and can be used alongside a premium "familiar faces" feature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0|title=No One, Including Our Furry Friends, Will Be Safer in Ring's Surveillance Nightmare|work=EFF|date=2026-02-10|first=Beryl|last=Lipton |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165255/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> On February 18, 2026, emails were leaked showing Siminoff saying how Ring "could have potentially been used to help find Charlie Kirk’s killer" in regards to the community requests feature, in addition to a spokesperson saying "the decision [of sharing] remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|title=Leaked Email Suggests Ring Plans to Expand ‘Search Party’ Surveillance Beyond Dogs|first=Jason|last=Koebler|work=404Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218144321/https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Products==

===Cameras===
*Stick Up Cam (1st generation; 2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-review/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam review: Ring's solar-powered security camera fails to outshine rivals|work=CNET|date=2016-12-12|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/product/ring-stick-up-cam-battery/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam Battery review: An all around security camera, inside and out|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|date=2019-05-22|work=ZDNet}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Wired (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-wired-2018-preview/|title=Ring's redesigned Stick Up Cams want a spot inside your home|work=CNET|first=Meghan|last=Wollerton|date=2018-10-18}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-elite-preview/|title=Ring's Stick Up Cam Elite doesn't bother with batteries|work=CNET|date=2018-01-08|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Ring Peephole Cam/Door View Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref name="RingHistory">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/a-brief-history-of-the-ring-video-doorbell-and-its-evolution-over-the-last-10-years|title=A brief history of the Ring Video Doorbell and its evolution over the last 10 years|work=AmazonNews|date=2023-05-02|first=Jay|last=Moye|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ring-indoor-cam|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2019) Review|work=PCMag|date=2019-12-02|first=John|last=Delaney|archive-url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/2xsswpd01u70/4VsoGg22BdTKWBynhnsvg8/49e66f2cee0e00d10c9cf8ad31f3969a/UK_Indoor_Cam.pdf|archive-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam (Wired/Battery/Solar)/Stick Up Cam (3rd generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forums.woot.com/t/ring-stick-up-cam-battery-or-plug-in-3rd-gen-2019-release/1678290|title=Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery or Plug In) 3rd Gen (2019 release)|work=Woot!|date=2024-09-01|author=wootbot|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (2nd generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-indoor-cam-2nd-gen-review|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen) review: new privacy shield, but fairly unchanged|work=TechRadar|date=2023-07-07|first=Josephine|last=Watson}}</ref>
*Ring Car Cam (1st generation; 2023)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/1/24145445/ring-pan-tilt-indoor-cam-colors-price-release-date|title=Ring’s first integrated pan and tilt camera comes in pink|work=The Verge|date=2024-05-01|first=Jennifer|last=Tuohy}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cepro.com/news/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-powered-by-ring-vision/146895/|title=The New Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is Powered by Ring Vision|date=2025-02-20|first=Robert|last=Archer}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro" />
*Outdoor Cam Pro (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-cameras-get-4k-upgrade-security-cam-network-to-find-lost-dogs|title=Ring Cameras Get 4K Upgrade, Security Cam Network to Find Lost Dogs|date=2025-09-30|work=PCMag|first=James|last=Peckham}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Pro PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />
*Indoor Cam Plus (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />

===Chimes===
*Chime (1st generation; 2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chime (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219201828/https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |archive-date=19 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Chime (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/11/21174876/amazon-ring-new-video-doorbell-3-plus-chime-pro-pre-roll|title=Amazon’s Ring announces the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Video Doorbell 3 Plus|work=The Verge|date=2020-03-11|first=Jay|last=Peters}}</ref>
*Chime (3rd generation; 2025)
*Chime Pro (1st generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Chime Pro (2nd generation; 2025)

===Doorbells===
*Video Doorbell (1st generation; 2014)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Pro/Wired Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2016)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 2 (2017)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Elite (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://electricalconnection.com.au/ring-launches-ring-video-doorbell-elite/|title=Ring launches Ring Video Doorbell Elite|first=Simeon|last=Barut|date=2017-10-27|work=Electrical Connection|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell 3 (2020)<ref name="RingHistory" /><ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell 3 Plus (2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Wired (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|title=Ring Video Doorbell Wired|access-date=2026-02-19|work=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211064437/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|archive-date=2025-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell Pro 2/Wired Doorbell Pro (2nd generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/ring-video-doorbell-pro-2-is-confirmed-and-its-available-to-pre-order-now|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is confirmed, and it’s available to pre-order now|work=TechRadar|date=2021-02-24|first=Carrie-Ann|last=Skinner|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 4 (2024)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Battery Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-uk.ring.com/blogs/alwayshome/ring-launches-battery-video-doorbell-plus-our-most-significant-battery-doorbell-update-yet|title=Ring Launches Battery Video Doorbell Plus, Our Most Significant Battery Doorbell Update Yet.|date=2023-03-08|work=Ring UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|title=Ring Battery Doorbell - Video Doorbell Camera|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218220602/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell Pro (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-battery-video-doorbell-pro-review|title=Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro review: Ring upgrades last year’s Battery Doorbell Plus|work=TechRadar|first=Les|last=Watson|date=2024-03-19}}</ref>

*Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring Wired Doorbell Elite - 4K Video Doorbell |url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219181957/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |archive-date=2026-02-19 |access-date= |work=Amazon}}</ref>

===Floodlights===
*Floodlight Cam (1st Generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floodlight Cam (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/cameras/floodlight-cam-gen-1?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Plus (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Floodlight-Cam-Wired-Plus/dp/B08F6GPQQ7/|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (newest model), Outdoor home or business security with motion-activated 1080p HD video and floodlights, White |work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Wired Pro (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/ring-brings-radar-to-a-new-spotlight-camera/|title=Ring brings radar to a new floodlight camera |work=CNET|date=2021-04-07|first=David|last=Priest}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67KWWQH|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, Wired (newest model), Home or business security, Retinal 4K with wide-angle video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, and 2000 Lumen Floodlights, White|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG" />

===Others===
*Smart Lighting Bridge (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2806681/ring-has-discontinued-its-least-expensive-smart-lighting-hub.html|title=Ring has discontinued its least expensive smart lighting hub|date=2025-06-06|work=PCWorld|first=Ben|last=Patterson}}</ref>
*Ring Bridge (2nd generation; TBA)

===Spotlights===
*Spotlight Cam Wired/Solar/Battery/Mount (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/31/ring-spotlight-cam/|title=Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security|date=2017-07-31|work=MacRumors|first=Eric|last=Slivka}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Plus Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-spotlight-cam-gets-a-pro-upgrade-with-3d-motion-radar-birds-eye-view|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Gets a Pro Upgrade With 3D Motion Radar, Bird's Eye View|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|date=2022-09-28|work=PCMag}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Pro Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2" />
*Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/ring-spotlight-cam-pro-2nd-gen-plug-in-retinal-4k-for-ultra-clear-video-10x-enhanced-zoom-2-led-spotlights-to-illuminate-key-outdoor-areas-black/-/A-94965503|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Pro 2nd Gen Plug-In Retinal 4K for Ultra-Clear Video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, 2 LED Spotlights to Illuminate Key Outdoor Areas - Black|work=Target|date=2025-10-29|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
===Security systems===


*Alarm Base Station (1st generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/news/ring-alarm-release-date-in-usa/|title=Ring Alarm release date…in USA|date=2018-06-13|work=Smart Home Geeks UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Base Station (2nd generation; 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/ring-alarm-system-2nd-gen-review/|title=Ring Alarm System 2nd Gen Review|date=2020-11-27|first=Brendan|last=Frye|work=CGM Tech|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Pro Base Station (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22692073/ring-alarm-pro-amazon-event-release-date-specs-price-features|title=Amazon’s new Ring Alarm Pro combines a security system with an Eero router|work=The Verge|date=2021-09-28|first=Jennifer|last=Pattison|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Arlo]]
*[[Axis]]
*[[Blink]]
*[[Eufy]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Wyze]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]

Ring

2026-02-22T18:17:02Z

H0l0: added a sub section under "Police partnerships" using one of the politico articles

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2013
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Ring.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://ring.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Ring_(company)|Ring]]''' is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by [[Amazon]], who acquired Ring in 2018.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250825111219/https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ Archived])</ref> Ring's products include their flagship Video Doorbell devices, as well as a number of cameras designed for mounting on the interior or exterior of properties.

The Ring line of devices have been involved in a number of controversies, largely related to the handling of user data. All data generated by a Ring device, including camera feeds, is processed on Amazon's servers. There have been a number of controversies relating to how this information is processed and with whom it is shared, with particular concern stemming from previously widespread internal access to Ring device data<ref name="FTC Report" />, as well as the sharing of data with various law enforcement agencies<ref name="BBC" />.
==Lawsuits==

===2023 FTC settlement===
In a complaint first announced in May 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] says that Ring deceived its customers by failing to restrict employees’ and contractors’ access to its customers’ videos, using its customer videos to train algorithms without consent, and failing to implement security safeguards. These practices led to egregious violations of users’ privacy.<ref name="FTC Report">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=FTC Sends Refunds to Ring Customers Stemming from 2023 Settlement over Charges the Company Failed to Block Employees and Hackers from Accessing Consumer Videos |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |website=FTC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206034223/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> The stated failure in security safeguard implementation is the result of a 2019 data breach where the log-in credentials for 3,672 Ring camera owners were compromised, exposing log-in emails, passwords, time zones, and the names people give to specific Ring cameras. Using the log-in email and password, an intruder could access a Ring customer’s home address, telephone number, and payment information, including the kind of card they have, and its last four digits and security code. An intruder could also access live camera footage from all active Ring cameras associated with an account, as well as a 30- to 60-day video history, depending on the user’s [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users|title=A Data Leak Exposed The Personal Information Of Over 3,000 Ring Users|first=Caroline|last=Haskins|date=2019-12-19|work=Buzzfeed |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217101243/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>

[[Ring]] settled the complaint for a sum of around $5.6 million to the 117,044 individuals who filed with the complaint, meaning the individual reimbursement was only around $60 per claim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/04/ring-agrees-to-pay-5-6-million-after-cameras-were-used-to-spy-on-customers|title=Ring agrees to pay $5.6 million after cameras were used to spy on customers|date=2024-04-25|work=Malwarebytes Labs|first=Pieter|last=Arntz|access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>; despite some users having lost privacy to highly sensitive videos as many users installed the cameras in sensitive spaces such as bedrooms for both adults and children.

==Vulnerabilities==
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Vulnerabilities|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In January 2019, it was uncovered that employees at Ring's two offices had access to the video recordings from all Ring devices.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wiggers|first=Kyle|date=January 10, 2019|title=Ring employees reportedly had access to all live and recorded customer videos|work=VentureBeat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/|access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220706094119/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/ |archive-date=6 Jul 2022}}</ref> In addition, ''The Intercept'' reported that the video data was stored unencrypted.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=January 10, 2018|title=For Owners of Amazon's Ring Security Cameras, Strangers May Have Been Watching Too|work=The Intercept|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/|access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162231/https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a December 2019 test, ''Motherboard'' found that Ring's software did not implement security features such as recognizing unknown IP addresses or providing a display of active login sessions, allowing the publication to access a Ring account from IP addresses based in multiple countries without warning the user.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Joseph|last1=Cox|access-date=February 20, 2020|title=We Tested Ring's Security. It's Awful|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security|date=December 17, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200928122245/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security |archive-date=28 Sep 2020}}</ref>

The Neighbors network leaks metadata about the footage posted in videos and "crime alerts". This metadata, combined with public city map data, is frequently sufficient to discover the exact location of the Ring doorbell or a camera. In one experiment, ''Gizmodo'' located 20,000 devices based on information collected (scraped from the app) over a period of month. University researchers were able to locate 440,000 devices using data spanning back to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring's Hidden Data Let Us Map Amazon's Sprawling Home Surveillance Network|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=Gizmodo|date=December 9, 2019|language=en-us |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163124/https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified a vulnerability in the Ring Video Doorbell Pro product in July 2019, which was patched before being publicly disclosed in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Palmer|first1=Danny|date=November 7, 2019|title=Amazon fixes Ring Video Doorbell wi-fi security vulnerability|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=ZDNet |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251009165958/https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/ |archive-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Alfred|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring doorbells had vulnerability leaking Wi-Fi login info, researchers find|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210219004814/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro Under the Scope|url=https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=Bitdefender |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222234028/https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref> Hackers accessed a number of Ring cameras in December 2019 and used the device speakers to broadcast racial slurs, threats, and other inflammatory language to multiple households across the United States.<ref name="Vice podcast">{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=December 12, 2019|title=Inside the Podcast that Hacks Ring Camera Owners Live on Air|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200913125207/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast |archive-date=13 Sep 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Murdock|first1=Jason|date=December 10, 2019|title=Ring camera hacker uses home security system to spew racial slurs at Florida family|url=https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Newsweek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115121626/https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howerton|first=Matt|date=December 11, 2019|title=Hacker says, 'pay bitcoin ransom or get terminated,' through couple's Ring security cameras|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WFAA |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231005180103/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94 |archive-date=5 Oct 2023}}</ref> A ''Motherboard'' investigation discovered crime forums that distributed software exploits of Ring devices that were used in the cyberattacks, and that members of the hacking forum Nulled had been recording their breaches as "podcasts".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Cole|first2=Samantha|date=December 11, 2019|title=How Hackers Are Breaking Into Ring Cameras|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200920060332/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras |archive-date=20 Sep 2020}}</ref> Ring responded to the incidents by advising its users to have strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and adopt other security measures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Holley|first1=Jessica|title=Family says hackers accessed a Ring camera in their 8-year-old daughter's room|url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WMC Action News 5|date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210724192131/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2021}}</ref> Ring mandated two-factor authentication for all users on February 18, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 19, 2020|title=Ring makes two-step verification mandatory|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=BBC News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162452/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Song|first=Victoria|date=February 18, 2020|title=Ring Finally Rolls Out Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication After Privacy Scandals|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=Gizmodo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163648/https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref></blockquote>

==Controversies==

===Subscription required for local storage===
[[Ring]] security cameras are a premium line of security cameras.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131837/https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why Archived])</ref> There are different subscriptions possible, there is basic, standard and premium.<ref name=":0">https://ring.com/plans; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250124214629/https://ring.com/plans Archive link of 2025-01-24]</ref> Ring cameras are [[Cloud (service)|cloud-first]], and with these subscriptions comes different variants of [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage for the video footage that your cameras record. There is also an additional product that you can buy, and for local recordings there is even a must buy for the more premium products.<ref>https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163915/https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro Archived])</ref> To record locally to a MicroSD card, you need the Ring Alarm Pro base station ($249.99)<ref>https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250108152541/https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station Archive link of 2025-01-08]</ref> and what is called "Ring Edge for Alarm Pro" in your subscription. The only subscription that offers this feature is the most expensive subscription, which is the premium subscription, costing $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.<ref name=":0" />

===Police partnerships===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Police_partnerships|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In June 2019, Ring faced criticism over a "Community Alert" program, under which the company has made geographically-targeted sponsored posts on social media services such as [[Meta|Facebook]], asking readers to provide tips on suspects in verified cases, based on imagery posted on the Neighbors service by a Ring customer. Ring stated that it sought permission from the user before using their content in this manner. However, these discoveries did lead to concerns over the use of such footage in material deemed to effectively be advertising, as well as concerns over other possible uses of the footage (such as for training facial recognition) due to the wide copyright license that users must grant to in order to use Neighbors (an irrevocable, unlimited, and royalty-free license to use shared content "for any purpose and in any media formats in any media channels without compensation to you"), and Ring's partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reichert|first=Corinne|title=Ring puts suspected thief in Facebook sponsored ads|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/|access-date=June 18, 2019|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201127201634/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Alba|first1=Davey|last2=Mac|first2=Ryan|date=June 7, 2019|title=Amazon's Doorbell Camera Company Is Using Security Video For Ads. That May Only Be The Beginning.|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116071705/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future criticized Ring for using its cameras and Neighbors app to build a private surveillance network via partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, which encourage them to promote the products. The group stated that these partnerships "undermine our democratic process and basic civil liberties".<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005|title=Amazon's Ring doorbell police tie-up criticised|work=BBC News|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|language=en-GB |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164103/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/|title=This map tells you where police have partnered with Amazon's Ring|last=Ng|first=Alfred|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201108021709/https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/ |archive-date=8 Nov 2020}}</ref> According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Ring used these partnerships and its marketing strategies to foster fear, which leads to a "vicious cycle" that spurs hardware sales. The organization said that Ring, as well as Neighbors and similar "neighborhood watch" apps such as Citizen and Nextdoor, "facilitate reporting of so-called 'suspicious' behavior that really amounts to racial profiling."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats|title=Amazon's Ring Is a Perfect Storm of Privacy Threats|last=Guariglia|first=Matthew|date=August 8, 2019|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104152148/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats |archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref> Matt Cagle of the American Civil Liberties Union said that the Ring Neighbors Portal "blurs the line between corporate and government surveillance" and that "Many people are not going to feel like they have a choice when law enforcement asks for access to their footage".<ref name="Intercept">{{cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=February 14, 2019|title=Amazon's Home Surveillance Chief Declared War on "Dirtbag Criminals" as Company Got Closer to Police|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/|access-date=January 17, 2020|website=The Intercept |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164207/https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In July 2019, Vice publication ''Motherboard'' obtained records revealing the extent of Ring's partnership with the Lakeland (Florida) Police Department (LPD). The department was granted access to a "Law Enforcement Neighborhood Portal" for making posts on Neighbors and the ability to "request videos directly from Ring users," and received a donation of 15 Ring cameras. However, the memorandum of understanding stated that the LPD would be required to participate in "outreach efforts on the platform to encourage adoption of the platform/app" (receiving $10 credits for Ring camera purchases for each new user). Ring also recommended that the LPD establish specific new positions for the partnership, including a "social media coordinator".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=July 25, 2019|title=Amazon Requires Police to Shill Surveillance Cameras in Secret Agreement|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200923141543/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement |archive-date=23 Sep 2020}}</ref> Later in the month, ''Motherboard'' obtained public records containing an officer's notes from an April 2019 training webinar, which stated that Ring had partnered with at least 200 law enforcement partners.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Maiberg|first2=Emanuel|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|last4=Koebler|first4=Jason|date=July 29, 2019|title=Amazon Told Police It Has Partnered With 200 Law Enforcement Agencies|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200903114936/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies |archive-date=3 Sep 2020}}</ref> In early August 2019, ''Motherboard'' also reported that Ring would match payments by cities to cover the subsidized purchase of Ring cameras, so that they could be resold to residents at a discount.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|date=August 2, 2019|title=US Cities Are Helping People Buy Amazon Surveillance Cameras With Taxpayer Money|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200921052023/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money |archive-date=21 Sep 2020}}</ref>

In November 2020, a pilot program in Jackson, Mississippi, enabled participating Ring users to enable police to livestream their cameras at any time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holmes|first=Aaron|title=Police are tapping into residents' Ring doorbells and home security cameras to stream 24/7 live video|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11|access-date=November 11, 2020|website=Business Insider |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128223106/https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref></blockquote>
----

====Police gains access to user Michael Larkin's cameras via a search warrant placed on Ring====
In '''November 24th''', small business owner Michael Larkin had received a phone call from the police, requesting access to his '''Ring''' doorbell camera In order to gather more evidence for a drug-related Investigation. ''Michael'' had complied and sent clips of a car that drove by his camera 12 times from 5pm to 7pm , only for the police to request even more footage later that day, asking for footage around a whole day's worth.

On '''December 1st, 2022''', 1 week after the initial request for more footage, ''Larkin'' had received a letter by '''Ring''', which was placed on him when the company had received a search warrant by the local authorities & after the letter was signed by a local judge. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Alfred |date=7 Mar 2023 |title=The privacy loophole in your doorbell |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/07/privacy-loophole-ring-doorbell-00084979 |website=politico.com}}</ref>

The letter reads as follows:

<blockquote>'''FOR PROBABLE CAUSE SHOWN AND SUPPORTED BY THE AFFIDAVIT IN THE ATTACHED PAGE, SUCH AFFIDAVIT IS INCORPORATED HEREIN AND MADE PART OF THIS WARRANT BY REFERENCE THERETO, YOU ARE HEREBY ''COMMANDED'' IN THE NAME OF THE COMMON PLEAS COURT, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO TO''' '''ENTER''' '''AND SEARCH WITHIN THREE DAYS THE PREMISES AND/OR PERSONS DESCRIBED HERE''':

'''RING LLC. for:''' [REDACTED]

The following records / digital recordings and images / electronically stored data within RING LLC cloud based data storage system between the dates of '''10/25/22 at 00:00hrs (Eastern Standard Time) through 10/25/22 at 23:59hrs (Eastern Standard Time)''' in relation to RING LLC home security cameras located at [REDACTED]. RING LLC home security cameras are associated with the following email / account and are individually listed below with their associated MAC addresses as follows:

'''''[Information on Michael Larkin]'''''

'''FOR THE ARTICLES, BODIES, AND/OR SUBSTANCES ALLEGED TO BE PRESENT IN SAID AFFIDAVIT, AND BRING A WRITTEN INVENTORY OF SAID ARTICLES, BODIES, AND/OR SUBSTANCES, TOGETHER WITH ANY PERSON NAMED THEREIN TO BE SEIZED, BEFORE THE JUDGE OF THE COMMON PLEAS COURT, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO AND TO MAKE RETURN OF THIS WARRANT ACCORDING TO LAW TO SAID JUDGE.'''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1 Dec 2022 |title=Ring Search Warrant {{!}} State of Ohio Butler County, Common Pleas Court |url=https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/23693646-1671460929158_ring-sw-2104-1_redacted-scrubbed_redacted-scrubbed_redacted-scrubbed-highlighted1/?embed=1&responsive=1&title=1&mode=document |website=Document Cloud}}</ref></blockquote>The notice had stated that ''Larkin'' had within 3 days to send a whole day's worth of footage('''25 Oct 2022 - 26 Oct 2022''') from more than 20 of his ring cameras, even if ''Michael'' did not wish to comply.<ref name=":1" />

===Alleged use of facial recognition technology===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Alleged_use_of_facial_recognition_technology|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In February 2018, Business Insider reported references to use of facial recognition technology in Ring's privacy policy. The policy stated:<blockquote>Where permitted by applicable law, you may choose to use additional functionality in your Ring product that, through video data from your device, '''can recognize facial characteristics of familiar visitors'''. For example, you may want to receive different notifications from your Ring Doorbell depending on whether a visitor is a stranger or a member of your household. '''If you choose to activate this feature, we obtain certain facial feature information about the visitors you ask your Ring product to recognize'''. We require your explicit consent before you can take advantage of this feature.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Shona|title=Amazon's newest acquisition, the doorbell startup Ring, made a smart move to fend off Google|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2|access-date=2023-07-20|website=Business Insider|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162805/https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-25|title=Privacy {{!}} Ring|url=https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725110729/https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy}}</ref></blockquote>In December 2018, patents filed by Ring surfaced to identify "suspicious" people and automatically alert police.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amazon's Ring takes heat for considering facial recognition for its video doorbells|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023324/https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In August 2019, a Buzzfeed News reported, "Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research."" The piece reported on a 2018 presentation from Ring Ukraine's "Head of Face Recognition Research", as well as a statement from Ring Ukraine's website stating, "We develop semi-automated crime prevention and monitoring systems which are based on, but not limited to, face recognition."<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Nicole|last1=Nguyen|first2=Ryan|last2=Mac|date=2019-08-30|title=Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research"|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine|access-date=2023-07-20|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023425/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-23|title=Ring Ukraine|url=https://ring-ukraine.com/|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523100219/https://ring-ukraine.com/}}</ref>

Also in 2019, as part of his investigation into Ring's cooperation with law enforcement, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts probed the company's privacy policy's reference to use of facial recognition technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=September 2019 Inquiry Letter from Sen. Markey to Ring|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117092911/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Investigation into Amazon Ring Doorbell Reveals Egregiously Lax Privacy Policies and Civil Rights Protections {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-investigation-into-amazon-ring-doorbell-reveals-egregiously-lax-privacy-policies-and-civil-rights-protections|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> Amazon responded:<blockquote>We do not currently offer facial recognition technology in Ring products. This sentence in the Privacy Notice refers to a contemplated, but unreleased feature. We do frequently innovate based on customer demand, and facial recognition features are increasingly common in consumer security cameras today, such as: Google Nest Hello, Tend Secure Lynx, Netamo Welcome, Wisenet Smartcam, and Honeywell Smart Home Security. If our customers want these features in Ring security cameras, we will only release these feature with thoughtful design including privacy, security, and user control; and we will clearly communicate with our customers as we offer new features.<ref>{{Cite web|title=November 2019 Response from Amazon to Sen. Markey|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005210212/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2019, the Intercept reported on internal documents detailing "Proactive Suspect Matching". The feature would use facial recognition to group videos and create a profile of an alleged criminal based on Ring camera footage.<ref name="Intercept" /> Ring denied that the feature was in use or development.

In 2020, Ring posted a one-sentence position stance on their blog stating, "Ring does not use facial recognition technology in any of its devices or services, and will neither sell nor offer facial recognition technology to law enforcement."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ring|date=2020-08-20|title=Ring's Stance on Facial Recognition Technology|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Ring Blog|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164227/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2021, Senator Markey and his colleagues introduced the "Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senators Markey, Merkley Lead Colleagues on Legislation to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition, Other Biometric Technology {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-merkley-lead-colleagues-on-legislation-to-ban-government-use-of-facial-recognition-other-biometric-technology|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> A year later, Markey renewed his investigation into Ring,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Renews Investigation into Amazon Ring's Surveillance Practices and Cooperation with Police {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-renews-investigation-into-amazon-rings-surveillance-practices-and-cooperation-with-police|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> and in July 2022, Markey cited Ring's "[refusal] to commit to not incorporating facial recognition technology in its products" as evidence of the need for legislation to "prohibit use of biometric technology by federal agencies and condition federal grant funding to state and local entities on moratoria on the use of biometric technology."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey's Probe into Amazon Ring Reveals New Privacy Problems {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markeys-probe-into-amazon-ring-reveals-new-privacy-problems|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref>

[[Amazon]] has attempted to distance themselves from Ring Ukraine, the branch responsible for developing computer vision and facial recognition solutions. In a statement for release, the general manager of the Kyiv-based office commented, "We are no longer part of a small startup, but a full-fledged R&D center working for one of the world's largest corporations. [We are involved not only in Ring's product line but also in many other Amazon projects. That is,] We are a large Ukrainian team of specialists working on the world market." At legal's request, the general manager was asked to remove the reference to [[Amazon]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=2020-01-24|title=Ring Ukraine News Suppressed at Amazon's Request, Journalists Say|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Intercept|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116003522/https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/ |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref> "Ring Ukraine" was eventually rebranded as "Squad".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring Ukraine office need you to forget they are part of Amazon|url=https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=AIN.Capital|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240719174131/https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/ |archive-date=19 Jul 2024}}</ref></blockquote>
----

===Alleged user tracking===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Allegations_of_user_tracking|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>On January 27, 2020, the Electronic Frontier Foundation concluded that the Ring doorbell app for [[Android]] was sending identifiable personal information– including names, IP addresses, mobile network carriers, persistent IDs, and sensor data–to AppsFlyer, branch.io, [[Meta|Facebook]], and Mixpanel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers|title=Ring Doorbell App Packed with Third-Party Trackers|last=Budington|first=Bill|date=January 27, 2020|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120204644/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies|title=Amazon's Ring will let users opt out of sharing data with other companies|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=February 14, 2020|website=Fast Company|access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405183101/https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref></blockquote>
----

===Flock Safety ''(2025-2026)''===
{{Main|Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)}}
Flock and Ring have had a partnership since October 2025, with Flock stating in a blog post how the integration into Ring "makes it easier for neighbors to support one another while keeping control of their own information" and "helps officers save valuable time that would otherwise be spent knocking on doors".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities|title=Flock Safety and Ring Partner to Help Neighborhoods Work Together for Safer Communities|date=2025-10-31|website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163143/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Before this announcement, there have been many examples of the state and federal departments (namely DHS) in the United States utilizing the Flock Safety network questionably, despite Amazon stating Ring "does not give ICE videos, feeds, or back-end access".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock|title=Ring says it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras|first=Jennifer|last=Touhy|work=The Verge|date=2026-01-22 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123175555/https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> Laws such as the Third-Party Doctrine imply that information a user voluntarily shares with a third party is not protected by the Fourth Amendment, such as footage uploaded to Amazon's cloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-130/if-these-walls-could-talk-the-smart-home-and-the-fourth-amendment-limits-of-the-third-party-doctrine/|title=If These Walls Could Talk: The Smart Home and the Fourth Amendment Limits of the Third Party Doctrine|date=2017-05-09|work=Harvard Law Review|quote=In doing so, it held that there could not have been a reasonable expectation of privacy here due to the voluntary sharing of the information with a third party and the fact that Smith could not have had a reasonable expectation of privacy in something as nominally informative as the numbers he dialed}}</ref>

On February 12, Ring terminated its contract with [[Flock Safety]] over the integration requiring "significantly more time and resources than anticipated".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/|title=Ring and Flock Cancel Partnership|date=2026-02-12|author=Ring|work=Ring Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218143503/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> On Flock's part, they state "the integration never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership|title=Flock and Ring Cancel Announced Community Requests Integration|date=2026-02-12|work=Flock Safety|access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163236/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Search Party ''(2026)''===
On February 8, 2026, Ring would air a commercial for their "search party" feature for the Super Bowl. In the ad, the founder Jamie Siminoff states the feature has helped "more than a dog a day has been reunited with their family" out of 10 million a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/|title=With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet|date=2026-02-10|work=404Media|first=Jason|last=Koebler |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165139/https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Many Ring owners voiced concerns regarding this new feature, with those stating its dystopian and invasive nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1qzrts8/ring_search_party/|title=Ring “Search Party” |work=Reddit|author=u/Check123ok|date=2026-02-08}}</ref> This feature is opt-in by default and can be used alongside a premium "familiar faces" feature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0|title=No One, Including Our Furry Friends, Will Be Safer in Ring's Surveillance Nightmare|work=EFF|date=2026-02-10|first=Beryl|last=Lipton |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165255/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> On February 18, 2026, emails were leaked showing Siminoff saying how Ring "could have potentially been used to help find Charlie Kirk’s killer" in regards to the community requests feature, in addition to a spokesperson saying "the decision [of sharing] remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|title=Leaked Email Suggests Ring Plans to Expand ‘Search Party’ Surveillance Beyond Dogs|first=Jason|last=Koebler|work=404Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218144321/https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Products==

===Cameras===
*Stick Up Cam (1st generation; 2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-review/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam review: Ring's solar-powered security camera fails to outshine rivals|work=CNET|date=2016-12-12|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/product/ring-stick-up-cam-battery/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam Battery review: An all around security camera, inside and out|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|date=2019-05-22|work=ZDNet}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Wired (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-wired-2018-preview/|title=Ring's redesigned Stick Up Cams want a spot inside your home|work=CNET|first=Meghan|last=Wollerton|date=2018-10-18}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-elite-preview/|title=Ring's Stick Up Cam Elite doesn't bother with batteries|work=CNET|date=2018-01-08|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Ring Peephole Cam/Door View Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref name="RingHistory">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/a-brief-history-of-the-ring-video-doorbell-and-its-evolution-over-the-last-10-years|title=A brief history of the Ring Video Doorbell and its evolution over the last 10 years|work=AmazonNews|date=2023-05-02|first=Jay|last=Moye|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ring-indoor-cam|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2019) Review|work=PCMag|date=2019-12-02|first=John|last=Delaney|archive-url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/2xsswpd01u70/4VsoGg22BdTKWBynhnsvg8/49e66f2cee0e00d10c9cf8ad31f3969a/UK_Indoor_Cam.pdf|archive-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam (Wired/Battery/Solar)/Stick Up Cam (3rd generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forums.woot.com/t/ring-stick-up-cam-battery-or-plug-in-3rd-gen-2019-release/1678290|title=Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery or Plug In) 3rd Gen (2019 release)|work=Woot!|date=2024-09-01|author=wootbot|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (2nd generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-indoor-cam-2nd-gen-review|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen) review: new privacy shield, but fairly unchanged|work=TechRadar|date=2023-07-07|first=Josephine|last=Watson}}</ref>
*Ring Car Cam (1st generation; 2023)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/1/24145445/ring-pan-tilt-indoor-cam-colors-price-release-date|title=Ring’s first integrated pan and tilt camera comes in pink|work=The Verge|date=2024-05-01|first=Jennifer|last=Tuohy}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cepro.com/news/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-powered-by-ring-vision/146895/|title=The New Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is Powered by Ring Vision|date=2025-02-20|first=Robert|last=Archer}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro" />
*Outdoor Cam Pro (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-cameras-get-4k-upgrade-security-cam-network-to-find-lost-dogs|title=Ring Cameras Get 4K Upgrade, Security Cam Network to Find Lost Dogs|date=2025-09-30|work=PCMag|first=James|last=Peckham}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Pro PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />
*Indoor Cam Plus (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />

===Chimes===
*Chime (1st generation; 2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chime (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219201828/https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |archive-date=19 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Chime (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/11/21174876/amazon-ring-new-video-doorbell-3-plus-chime-pro-pre-roll|title=Amazon’s Ring announces the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Video Doorbell 3 Plus|work=The Verge|date=2020-03-11|first=Jay|last=Peters}}</ref>
*Chime (3rd generation; 2025)
*Chime Pro (1st generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Chime Pro (2nd generation; 2025)

===Doorbells===
*Video Doorbell (1st generation; 2014)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Pro/Wired Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2016)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 2 (2017)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Elite (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://electricalconnection.com.au/ring-launches-ring-video-doorbell-elite/|title=Ring launches Ring Video Doorbell Elite|first=Simeon|last=Barut|date=2017-10-27|work=Electrical Connection|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell 3 (2020)<ref name="RingHistory" /><ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell 3 Plus (2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Wired (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|title=Ring Video Doorbell Wired|access-date=2026-02-19|work=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211064437/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|archive-date=2025-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell Pro 2/Wired Doorbell Pro (2nd generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/ring-video-doorbell-pro-2-is-confirmed-and-its-available-to-pre-order-now|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is confirmed, and it’s available to pre-order now|work=TechRadar|date=2021-02-24|first=Carrie-Ann|last=Skinner|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 4 (2024)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Battery Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-uk.ring.com/blogs/alwayshome/ring-launches-battery-video-doorbell-plus-our-most-significant-battery-doorbell-update-yet|title=Ring Launches Battery Video Doorbell Plus, Our Most Significant Battery Doorbell Update Yet.|date=2023-03-08|work=Ring UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|title=Ring Battery Doorbell - Video Doorbell Camera|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218220602/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell Pro (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-battery-video-doorbell-pro-review|title=Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro review: Ring upgrades last year’s Battery Doorbell Plus|work=TechRadar|first=Les|last=Watson|date=2024-03-19}}</ref>

*Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring Wired Doorbell Elite - 4K Video Doorbell |url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219181957/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |archive-date=2026-02-19 |access-date= |work=Amazon}}</ref>

===Floodlights===
*Floodlight Cam (1st Generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floodlight Cam (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/cameras/floodlight-cam-gen-1?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Plus (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Floodlight-Cam-Wired-Plus/dp/B08F6GPQQ7/|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (newest model), Outdoor home or business security with motion-activated 1080p HD video and floodlights, White |work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Wired Pro (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/ring-brings-radar-to-a-new-spotlight-camera/|title=Ring brings radar to a new floodlight camera |work=CNET|date=2021-04-07|first=David|last=Priest}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67KWWQH|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, Wired (newest model), Home or business security, Retinal 4K with wide-angle video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, and 2000 Lumen Floodlights, White|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG" />

===Others===
*Smart Lighting Bridge (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2806681/ring-has-discontinued-its-least-expensive-smart-lighting-hub.html|title=Ring has discontinued its least expensive smart lighting hub|date=2025-06-06|work=PCWorld|first=Ben|last=Patterson}}</ref>
*Ring Bridge (2nd generation; TBA)

===Spotlights===
*Spotlight Cam Wired/Solar/Battery/Mount (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/31/ring-spotlight-cam/|title=Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security|date=2017-07-31|work=MacRumors|first=Eric|last=Slivka}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Plus Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-spotlight-cam-gets-a-pro-upgrade-with-3d-motion-radar-birds-eye-view|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Gets a Pro Upgrade With 3D Motion Radar, Bird's Eye View|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|date=2022-09-28|work=PCMag}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Pro Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2" />
*Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/ring-spotlight-cam-pro-2nd-gen-plug-in-retinal-4k-for-ultra-clear-video-10x-enhanced-zoom-2-led-spotlights-to-illuminate-key-outdoor-areas-black/-/A-94965503|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Pro 2nd Gen Plug-In Retinal 4K for Ultra-Clear Video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, 2 LED Spotlights to Illuminate Key Outdoor Areas - Black|work=Target|date=2025-10-29|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
===Security systems===


*Alarm Base Station (1st generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/news/ring-alarm-release-date-in-usa/|title=Ring Alarm release date…in USA|date=2018-06-13|work=Smart Home Geeks UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Base Station (2nd generation; 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/ring-alarm-system-2nd-gen-review/|title=Ring Alarm System 2nd Gen Review|date=2020-11-27|first=Brendan|last=Frye|work=CGM Tech|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Pro Base Station (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22692073/ring-alarm-pro-amazon-event-release-date-specs-price-features|title=Amazon’s new Ring Alarm Pro combines a security system with an Eero router|work=The Verge|date=2021-09-28|first=Jennifer|last=Pattison|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Arlo]]
*[[Axis]]
*[[Blink]]
*[[Eufy]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Wyze]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]

Ring

2026-02-22T17:06:55Z

H0l0: removed 2 empty lines in "Products" to please your eyes

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2013
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Ring.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://ring.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Ring_(company)|Ring]]''' is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by [[Amazon]], who acquired Ring in 2018.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250825111219/https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ Archived])</ref> Ring's products include their flagship Video Doorbell devices, as well as a number of cameras designed for mounting on the interior or exterior of properties.

The Ring line of devices have been involved in a number of controversies, largely related to the handling of user data. All data generated by a Ring device, including camera feeds, is processed on Amazon's servers. There have been a number of controversies relating to how this information is processed and with whom it is shared, with particular concern stemming from previously widespread internal access to Ring device data<ref name="FTC Report" />, as well as the sharing of data with various law enforcement agencies<ref name="BBC" />.
==Lawsuits==

===2023 FTC settlement===
In a complaint first announced in May 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] says that Ring deceived its customers by failing to restrict employees’ and contractors’ access to its customers’ videos, using its customer videos to train algorithms without consent, and failing to implement security safeguards. These practices led to egregious violations of users’ privacy.<ref name="FTC Report">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=FTC Sends Refunds to Ring Customers Stemming from 2023 Settlement over Charges the Company Failed to Block Employees and Hackers from Accessing Consumer Videos |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |website=FTC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206034223/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> The stated failure in security safeguard implementation is the result of a 2019 data breach where the log-in credentials for 3,672 Ring camera owners were compromised, exposing log-in emails, passwords, time zones, and the names people give to specific Ring cameras. Using the log-in email and password, an intruder could access a Ring customer’s home address, telephone number, and payment information, including the kind of card they have, and its last four digits and security code. An intruder could also access live camera footage from all active Ring cameras associated with an account, as well as a 30- to 60-day video history, depending on the user’s [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users|title=A Data Leak Exposed The Personal Information Of Over 3,000 Ring Users|first=Caroline|last=Haskins|date=2019-12-19|work=Buzzfeed |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217101243/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>

[[Ring]] settled the complaint for a sum of around $5.6 million to the 117,044 individuals who filed with the complaint, meaning the individual reimbursement was only around $60 per claim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/04/ring-agrees-to-pay-5-6-million-after-cameras-were-used-to-spy-on-customers|title=Ring agrees to pay $5.6 million after cameras were used to spy on customers|date=2024-04-25|work=Malwarebytes Labs|first=Pieter|last=Arntz|access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>; despite some users having lost privacy to highly sensitive videos as many users installed the cameras in sensitive spaces such as bedrooms for both adults and children.

==Vulnerabilities==
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Vulnerabilities|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In January 2019, it was uncovered that employees at Ring's two offices had access to the video recordings from all Ring devices.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wiggers|first=Kyle|date=January 10, 2019|title=Ring employees reportedly had access to all live and recorded customer videos|work=VentureBeat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/|access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220706094119/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/ |archive-date=6 Jul 2022}}</ref> In addition, ''The Intercept'' reported that the video data was stored unencrypted.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=January 10, 2018|title=For Owners of Amazon's Ring Security Cameras, Strangers May Have Been Watching Too|work=The Intercept|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/|access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162231/https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a December 2019 test, ''Motherboard'' found that Ring's software did not implement security features such as recognizing unknown IP addresses or providing a display of active login sessions, allowing the publication to access a Ring account from IP addresses based in multiple countries without warning the user.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Joseph|last1=Cox|access-date=February 20, 2020|title=We Tested Ring's Security. It's Awful|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security|date=December 17, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200928122245/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security |archive-date=28 Sep 2020}}</ref>

The Neighbors network leaks metadata about the footage posted in videos and "crime alerts". This metadata, combined with public city map data, is frequently sufficient to discover the exact location of the Ring doorbell or a camera. In one experiment, ''Gizmodo'' located 20,000 devices based on information collected (scraped from the app) over a period of month. University researchers were able to locate 440,000 devices using data spanning back to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring's Hidden Data Let Us Map Amazon's Sprawling Home Surveillance Network|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=Gizmodo|date=December 9, 2019|language=en-us |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163124/https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified a vulnerability in the Ring Video Doorbell Pro product in July 2019, which was patched before being publicly disclosed in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Palmer|first1=Danny|date=November 7, 2019|title=Amazon fixes Ring Video Doorbell wi-fi security vulnerability|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=ZDNet |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251009165958/https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/ |archive-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Alfred|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring doorbells had vulnerability leaking Wi-Fi login info, researchers find|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210219004814/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro Under the Scope|url=https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=Bitdefender |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222234028/https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref> Hackers accessed a number of Ring cameras in December 2019 and used the device speakers to broadcast racial slurs, threats, and other inflammatory language to multiple households across the United States.<ref name="Vice podcast">{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=December 12, 2019|title=Inside the Podcast that Hacks Ring Camera Owners Live on Air|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200913125207/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast |archive-date=13 Sep 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Murdock|first1=Jason|date=December 10, 2019|title=Ring camera hacker uses home security system to spew racial slurs at Florida family|url=https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Newsweek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115121626/https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howerton|first=Matt|date=December 11, 2019|title=Hacker says, 'pay bitcoin ransom or get terminated,' through couple's Ring security cameras|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WFAA |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231005180103/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94 |archive-date=5 Oct 2023}}</ref> A ''Motherboard'' investigation discovered crime forums that distributed software exploits of Ring devices that were used in the cyberattacks, and that members of the hacking forum Nulled had been recording their breaches as "podcasts".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Cole|first2=Samantha|date=December 11, 2019|title=How Hackers Are Breaking Into Ring Cameras|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200920060332/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras |archive-date=20 Sep 2020}}</ref> Ring responded to the incidents by advising its users to have strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and adopt other security measures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Holley|first1=Jessica|title=Family says hackers accessed a Ring camera in their 8-year-old daughter's room|url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WMC Action News 5|date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210724192131/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2021}}</ref> Ring mandated two-factor authentication for all users on February 18, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 19, 2020|title=Ring makes two-step verification mandatory|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=BBC News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162452/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Song|first=Victoria|date=February 18, 2020|title=Ring Finally Rolls Out Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication After Privacy Scandals|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=Gizmodo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163648/https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref></blockquote>

==Controversies==

===Subscription required for local storage===
[[Ring]] security cameras are a premium line of security cameras.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131837/https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why Archived])</ref> There are different subscriptions possible, there is basic, standard and premium.<ref name=":0">https://ring.com/plans; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250124214629/https://ring.com/plans Archive link of 2025-01-24]</ref> Ring cameras are [[Cloud (service)|cloud-first]], and with these subscriptions comes different variants of [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage for the video footage that your cameras record. There is also an additional product that you can buy, and for local recordings there is even a must buy for the more premium products.<ref>https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163915/https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro Archived])</ref> To record locally to a MicroSD card, you need the Ring Alarm Pro base station ($249.99)<ref>https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250108152541/https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station Archive link of 2025-01-08]</ref> and what is called "Ring Edge for Alarm Pro" in your subscription. The only subscription that offers this feature is the most expensive subscription, which is the premium subscription, costing $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.<ref name=":0" />

===Police partnerships===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Police_partnerships|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In June 2019, Ring faced criticism over a "Community Alert" program, under which the company has made geographically-targeted sponsored posts on social media services such as [[Meta|Facebook]], asking readers to provide tips on suspects in verified cases, based on imagery posted on the Neighbors service by a Ring customer. Ring stated that it sought permission from the user before using their content in this manner. However, these discoveries did lead to concerns over the use of such footage in material deemed to effectively be advertising, as well as concerns over other possible uses of the footage (such as for training facial recognition) due to the wide copyright license that users must grant to in order to use Neighbors (an irrevocable, unlimited, and royalty-free license to use shared content "for any purpose and in any media formats in any media channels without compensation to you"), and Ring's partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reichert|first=Corinne|title=Ring puts suspected thief in Facebook sponsored ads|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/|access-date=June 18, 2019|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201127201634/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Alba|first1=Davey|last2=Mac|first2=Ryan|date=June 7, 2019|title=Amazon's Doorbell Camera Company Is Using Security Video For Ads. That May Only Be The Beginning.|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116071705/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future criticized Ring for using its cameras and Neighbors app to build a private surveillance network via partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, which encourage them to promote the products. The group stated that these partnerships "undermine our democratic process and basic civil liberties".<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005|title=Amazon's Ring doorbell police tie-up criticised|work=BBC News|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|language=en-GB |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164103/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/|title=This map tells you where police have partnered with Amazon's Ring|last=Ng|first=Alfred|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201108021709/https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/ |archive-date=8 Nov 2020}}</ref> According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Ring used these partnerships and its marketing strategies to foster fear, which leads to a "vicious cycle" that spurs hardware sales. The organization said that Ring, as well as Neighbors and similar "neighborhood watch" apps such as Citizen and Nextdoor, "facilitate reporting of so-called 'suspicious' behavior that really amounts to racial profiling."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats|title=Amazon's Ring Is a Perfect Storm of Privacy Threats|last=Guariglia|first=Matthew|date=August 8, 2019|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104152148/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats |archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref> Matt Cagle of the American Civil Liberties Union said that the Ring Neighbors Portal "blurs the line between corporate and government surveillance" and that "Many people are not going to feel like they have a choice when law enforcement asks for access to their footage".<ref name="Intercept">{{cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=February 14, 2019|title=Amazon's Home Surveillance Chief Declared War on "Dirtbag Criminals" as Company Got Closer to Police|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/|access-date=January 17, 2020|website=The Intercept |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164207/https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In July 2019, Vice publication ''Motherboard'' obtained records revealing the extent of Ring's partnership with the Lakeland (Florida) Police Department (LPD). The department was granted access to a "Law Enforcement Neighborhood Portal" for making posts on Neighbors and the ability to "request videos directly from Ring users," and received a donation of 15 Ring cameras. However, the memorandum of understanding stated that the LPD would be required to participate in "outreach efforts on the platform to encourage adoption of the platform/app" (receiving $10 credits for Ring camera purchases for each new user). Ring also recommended that the LPD establish specific new positions for the partnership, including a "social media coordinator".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=July 25, 2019|title=Amazon Requires Police to Shill Surveillance Cameras in Secret Agreement|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200923141543/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement |archive-date=23 Sep 2020}}</ref> Later in the month, ''Motherboard'' obtained public records containing an officer's notes from an April 2019 training webinar, which stated that Ring had partnered with at least 200 law enforcement partners.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Maiberg|first2=Emanuel|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|last4=Koebler|first4=Jason|date=July 29, 2019|title=Amazon Told Police It Has Partnered With 200 Law Enforcement Agencies|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200903114936/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies |archive-date=3 Sep 2020}}</ref> In early August 2019, ''Motherboard'' also reported that Ring would match payments by cities to cover the subsidized purchase of Ring cameras, so that they could be resold to residents at a discount.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|date=August 2, 2019|title=US Cities Are Helping People Buy Amazon Surveillance Cameras With Taxpayer Money|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200921052023/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money |archive-date=21 Sep 2020}}</ref>

In November 2020, a pilot program in Jackson, Mississippi, enabled participating Ring users to enable police to livestream their cameras at any time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holmes|first=Aaron|title=Police are tapping into residents' Ring doorbells and home security cameras to stream 24/7 live video|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11|access-date=November 11, 2020|website=Business Insider |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128223106/https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref></blockquote>

===Alleged use of facial recognition technology===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Alleged_use_of_facial_recognition_technology|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In February 2018, Business Insider reported references to use of facial recognition technology in Ring's privacy policy. The policy stated:<blockquote>Where permitted by applicable law, you may choose to use additional functionality in your Ring product that, through video data from your device, '''can recognize facial characteristics of familiar visitors'''. For example, you may want to receive different notifications from your Ring Doorbell depending on whether a visitor is a stranger or a member of your household. '''If you choose to activate this feature, we obtain certain facial feature information about the visitors you ask your Ring product to recognize'''. We require your explicit consent before you can take advantage of this feature.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Shona|title=Amazon's newest acquisition, the doorbell startup Ring, made a smart move to fend off Google|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2|access-date=2023-07-20|website=Business Insider|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162805/https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-25|title=Privacy {{!}} Ring|url=https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725110729/https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy}}</ref></blockquote>In December 2018, patents filed by Ring surfaced to identify "suspicious" people and automatically alert police.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amazon's Ring takes heat for considering facial recognition for its video doorbells|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023324/https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In August 2019, a Buzzfeed News reported, "Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research."" The piece reported on a 2018 presentation from Ring Ukraine's "Head of Face Recognition Research", as well as a statement from Ring Ukraine's website stating, "We develop semi-automated crime prevention and monitoring systems which are based on, but not limited to, face recognition."<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Nicole|last1=Nguyen|first2=Ryan|last2=Mac|date=2019-08-30|title=Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research"|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine|access-date=2023-07-20|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023425/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-23|title=Ring Ukraine|url=https://ring-ukraine.com/|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523100219/https://ring-ukraine.com/}}</ref>

Also in 2019, as part of his investigation into Ring's cooperation with law enforcement, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts probed the company's privacy policy's reference to use of facial recognition technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=September 2019 Inquiry Letter from Sen. Markey to Ring|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117092911/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Investigation into Amazon Ring Doorbell Reveals Egregiously Lax Privacy Policies and Civil Rights Protections {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-investigation-into-amazon-ring-doorbell-reveals-egregiously-lax-privacy-policies-and-civil-rights-protections|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> Amazon responded:<blockquote>We do not currently offer facial recognition technology in Ring products. This sentence in the Privacy Notice refers to a contemplated, but unreleased feature. We do frequently innovate based on customer demand, and facial recognition features are increasingly common in consumer security cameras today, such as: Google Nest Hello, Tend Secure Lynx, Netamo Welcome, Wisenet Smartcam, and Honeywell Smart Home Security. If our customers want these features in Ring security cameras, we will only release these feature with thoughtful design including privacy, security, and user control; and we will clearly communicate with our customers as we offer new features.<ref>{{Cite web|title=November 2019 Response from Amazon to Sen. Markey|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005210212/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2019, the Intercept reported on internal documents detailing "Proactive Suspect Matching". The feature would use facial recognition to group videos and create a profile of an alleged criminal based on Ring camera footage.<ref name="Intercept" /> Ring denied that the feature was in use or development.

In 2020, Ring posted a one-sentence position stance on their blog stating, "Ring does not use facial recognition technology in any of its devices or services, and will neither sell nor offer facial recognition technology to law enforcement."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ring|date=2020-08-20|title=Ring's Stance on Facial Recognition Technology|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Ring Blog|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164227/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2021, Senator Markey and his colleagues introduced the "Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senators Markey, Merkley Lead Colleagues on Legislation to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition, Other Biometric Technology {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-merkley-lead-colleagues-on-legislation-to-ban-government-use-of-facial-recognition-other-biometric-technology|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> A year later, Markey renewed his investigation into Ring,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Renews Investigation into Amazon Ring's Surveillance Practices and Cooperation with Police {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-renews-investigation-into-amazon-rings-surveillance-practices-and-cooperation-with-police|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> and in July 2022, Markey cited Ring's "[refusal] to commit to not incorporating facial recognition technology in its products" as evidence of the need for legislation to "prohibit use of biometric technology by federal agencies and condition federal grant funding to state and local entities on moratoria on the use of biometric technology."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey's Probe into Amazon Ring Reveals New Privacy Problems {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markeys-probe-into-amazon-ring-reveals-new-privacy-problems|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref>

[[Amazon]] has attempted to distance themselves from Ring Ukraine, the branch responsible for developing computer vision and facial recognition solutions. In a statement for release, the general manager of the Kyiv-based office commented, "We are no longer part of a small startup, but a full-fledged R&D center working for one of the world's largest corporations. [We are involved not only in Ring's product line but also in many other Amazon projects. That is,] We are a large Ukrainian team of specialists working on the world market." At legal's request, the general manager was asked to remove the reference to [[Amazon]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=2020-01-24|title=Ring Ukraine News Suppressed at Amazon's Request, Journalists Say|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Intercept|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116003522/https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/ |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref> "Ring Ukraine" was eventually rebranded as "Squad".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring Ukraine office need you to forget they are part of Amazon|url=https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=AIN.Capital|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240719174131/https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/ |archive-date=19 Jul 2024}}</ref></blockquote>

===Alleged user tracking===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Allegations_of_user_tracking|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>On January 27, 2020, the Electronic Frontier Foundation concluded that the Ring doorbell app for [[Android]] was sending identifiable personal information– including names, IP addresses, mobile network carriers, persistent IDs, and sensor data–to AppsFlyer, branch.io, [[Meta|Facebook]], and Mixpanel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers|title=Ring Doorbell App Packed with Third-Party Trackers|last=Budington|first=Bill|date=January 27, 2020|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120204644/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies|title=Amazon's Ring will let users opt out of sharing data with other companies|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=February 14, 2020|website=Fast Company|access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405183101/https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref></blockquote>

===Flock Safety ''(2025-2026)''===
{{Main|Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)}}
Flock and Ring have had a partnership since October 2025, with Flock stating in a blog post how the integration into Ring "makes it easier for neighbors to support one another while keeping control of their own information" and "helps officers save valuable time that would otherwise be spent knocking on doors".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities|title=Flock Safety and Ring Partner to Help Neighborhoods Work Together for Safer Communities|date=2025-10-31|website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163143/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Before this announcement, there have been many examples of the state and federal departments (namely DHS) in the United States utilizing the Flock Safety network questionably, despite Amazon stating Ring "does not give ICE videos, feeds, or back-end access".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock|title=Ring says it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras|first=Jennifer|last=Touhy|work=The Verge|date=2026-01-22 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123175555/https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> Laws such as the Third-Party Doctrine imply that information a user voluntarily shares with a third party is not protected by the Fourth Amendment, such as footage uploaded to Amazon's cloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-130/if-these-walls-could-talk-the-smart-home-and-the-fourth-amendment-limits-of-the-third-party-doctrine/|title=If These Walls Could Talk: The Smart Home and the Fourth Amendment Limits of the Third Party Doctrine|date=2017-05-09|work=Harvard Law Review|quote=In doing so, it held that there could not have been a reasonable expectation of privacy here due to the voluntary sharing of the information with a third party and the fact that Smith could not have had a reasonable expectation of privacy in something as nominally informative as the numbers he dialed}}</ref>

On February 12, Ring terminated its contract with [[Flock Safety]] over the integration requiring "significantly more time and resources than anticipated".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/|title=Ring and Flock Cancel Partnership|date=2026-02-12|author=Ring|work=Ring Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218143503/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> On Flock's part, they state "the integration never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership|title=Flock and Ring Cancel Announced Community Requests Integration|date=2026-02-12|work=Flock Safety|access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163236/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Search Party ''(2026)''===
On February 8, 2026, Ring would air a commercial for their "search party" feature for the Super Bowl. In the ad, the founder Jamie Siminoff states the feature has helped "more than a dog a day has been reunited with their family" out of 10 million a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/|title=With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet|date=2026-02-10|work=404Media|first=Jason|last=Koebler |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165139/https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Many Ring owners voiced concerns regarding this new feature, with those stating its dystopian and invasive nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1qzrts8/ring_search_party/|title=Ring “Search Party” |work=Reddit|author=u/Check123ok|date=2026-02-08}}</ref> This feature is opt-in by default and can be used alongside a premium "familiar faces" feature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0|title=No One, Including Our Furry Friends, Will Be Safer in Ring's Surveillance Nightmare|work=EFF|date=2026-02-10|first=Beryl|last=Lipton |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165255/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> On February 18, 2026, emails were leaked showing Siminoff saying how Ring "could have potentially been used to help find Charlie Kirk’s killer" in regards to the community requests feature, in addition to a spokesperson saying "the decision [of sharing] remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|title=Leaked Email Suggests Ring Plans to Expand ‘Search Party’ Surveillance Beyond Dogs|first=Jason|last=Koebler|work=404Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218144321/https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Products==

===Cameras===
*Stick Up Cam (1st generation; 2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-review/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam review: Ring's solar-powered security camera fails to outshine rivals|work=CNET|date=2016-12-12|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/product/ring-stick-up-cam-battery/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam Battery review: An all around security camera, inside and out|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|date=2019-05-22|work=ZDNet}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Wired (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-wired-2018-preview/|title=Ring's redesigned Stick Up Cams want a spot inside your home|work=CNET|first=Meghan|last=Wollerton|date=2018-10-18}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-elite-preview/|title=Ring's Stick Up Cam Elite doesn't bother with batteries|work=CNET|date=2018-01-08|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Ring Peephole Cam/Door View Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref name="RingHistory">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/a-brief-history-of-the-ring-video-doorbell-and-its-evolution-over-the-last-10-years|title=A brief history of the Ring Video Doorbell and its evolution over the last 10 years|work=AmazonNews|date=2023-05-02|first=Jay|last=Moye|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ring-indoor-cam|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2019) Review|work=PCMag|date=2019-12-02|first=John|last=Delaney|archive-url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/2xsswpd01u70/4VsoGg22BdTKWBynhnsvg8/49e66f2cee0e00d10c9cf8ad31f3969a/UK_Indoor_Cam.pdf|archive-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam (Wired/Battery/Solar)/Stick Up Cam (3rd generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forums.woot.com/t/ring-stick-up-cam-battery-or-plug-in-3rd-gen-2019-release/1678290|title=Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery or Plug In) 3rd Gen (2019 release)|work=Woot!|date=2024-09-01|author=wootbot|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (2nd generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-indoor-cam-2nd-gen-review|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen) review: new privacy shield, but fairly unchanged|work=TechRadar|date=2023-07-07|first=Josephine|last=Watson}}</ref>
*Ring Car Cam (1st generation; 2023)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/1/24145445/ring-pan-tilt-indoor-cam-colors-price-release-date|title=Ring’s first integrated pan and tilt camera comes in pink|work=The Verge|date=2024-05-01|first=Jennifer|last=Tuohy}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cepro.com/news/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-powered-by-ring-vision/146895/|title=The New Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is Powered by Ring Vision|date=2025-02-20|first=Robert|last=Archer}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro" />
*Outdoor Cam Pro (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-cameras-get-4k-upgrade-security-cam-network-to-find-lost-dogs|title=Ring Cameras Get 4K Upgrade, Security Cam Network to Find Lost Dogs|date=2025-09-30|work=PCMag|first=James|last=Peckham}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Pro PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />
*Indoor Cam Plus (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />

===Chimes===
*Chime (1st generation; 2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chime (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219201828/https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |archive-date=19 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Chime (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/11/21174876/amazon-ring-new-video-doorbell-3-plus-chime-pro-pre-roll|title=Amazon’s Ring announces the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Video Doorbell 3 Plus|work=The Verge|date=2020-03-11|first=Jay|last=Peters}}</ref>
*Chime (3rd generation; 2025)
*Chime Pro (1st generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Chime Pro (2nd generation; 2025)

===Doorbells===
*Video Doorbell (1st generation; 2014)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Pro/Wired Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2016)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 2 (2017)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Elite (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://electricalconnection.com.au/ring-launches-ring-video-doorbell-elite/|title=Ring launches Ring Video Doorbell Elite|first=Simeon|last=Barut|date=2017-10-27|work=Electrical Connection|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell 3 (2020)<ref name="RingHistory" /><ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell 3 Plus (2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Wired (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|title=Ring Video Doorbell Wired|access-date=2026-02-19|work=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211064437/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|archive-date=2025-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell Pro 2/Wired Doorbell Pro (2nd generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/ring-video-doorbell-pro-2-is-confirmed-and-its-available-to-pre-order-now|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is confirmed, and it’s available to pre-order now|work=TechRadar|date=2021-02-24|first=Carrie-Ann|last=Skinner|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 4 (2024)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Battery Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-uk.ring.com/blogs/alwayshome/ring-launches-battery-video-doorbell-plus-our-most-significant-battery-doorbell-update-yet|title=Ring Launches Battery Video Doorbell Plus, Our Most Significant Battery Doorbell Update Yet.|date=2023-03-08|work=Ring UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|title=Ring Battery Doorbell - Video Doorbell Camera|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218220602/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell Pro (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-battery-video-doorbell-pro-review|title=Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro review: Ring upgrades last year’s Battery Doorbell Plus|work=TechRadar|first=Les|last=Watson|date=2024-03-19}}</ref>

*Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring Wired Doorbell Elite - 4K Video Doorbell |url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219181957/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |archive-date=2026-02-19 |access-date= |work=Amazon}}</ref>

===Floodlights===
*Floodlight Cam (1st Generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floodlight Cam (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/cameras/floodlight-cam-gen-1?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Plus (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Floodlight-Cam-Wired-Plus/dp/B08F6GPQQ7/|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (newest model), Outdoor home or business security with motion-activated 1080p HD video and floodlights, White |work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Wired Pro (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/ring-brings-radar-to-a-new-spotlight-camera/|title=Ring brings radar to a new floodlight camera |work=CNET|date=2021-04-07|first=David|last=Priest}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67KWWQH|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, Wired (newest model), Home or business security, Retinal 4K with wide-angle video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, and 2000 Lumen Floodlights, White|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG" />

===Others===
*Smart Lighting Bridge (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2806681/ring-has-discontinued-its-least-expensive-smart-lighting-hub.html|title=Ring has discontinued its least expensive smart lighting hub|date=2025-06-06|work=PCWorld|first=Ben|last=Patterson}}</ref>
*Ring Bridge (2nd generation; TBA)

===Spotlights===
*Spotlight Cam Wired/Solar/Battery/Mount (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/31/ring-spotlight-cam/|title=Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security|date=2017-07-31|work=MacRumors|first=Eric|last=Slivka}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Plus Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-spotlight-cam-gets-a-pro-upgrade-with-3d-motion-radar-birds-eye-view|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Gets a Pro Upgrade With 3D Motion Radar, Bird's Eye View|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|date=2022-09-28|work=PCMag}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Pro Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2" />
*Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/ring-spotlight-cam-pro-2nd-gen-plug-in-retinal-4k-for-ultra-clear-video-10x-enhanced-zoom-2-led-spotlights-to-illuminate-key-outdoor-areas-black/-/A-94965503|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Pro 2nd Gen Plug-In Retinal 4K for Ultra-Clear Video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, 2 LED Spotlights to Illuminate Key Outdoor Areas - Black|work=Target|date=2025-10-29|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
===Security systems===


*Alarm Base Station (1st generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/news/ring-alarm-release-date-in-usa/|title=Ring Alarm release date…in USA|date=2018-06-13|work=Smart Home Geeks UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Base Station (2nd generation; 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/ring-alarm-system-2nd-gen-review/|title=Ring Alarm System 2nd Gen Review|date=2020-11-27|first=Brendan|last=Frye|work=CGM Tech|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Pro Base Station (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22692073/ring-alarm-pro-amazon-event-release-date-specs-price-features|title=Amazon’s new Ring Alarm Pro combines a security system with an Eero router|work=The Verge|date=2021-09-28|first=Jennifer|last=Pattison|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Arlo]]
*[[Axis]]
*[[Blink]]
*[[Eufy]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Wyze]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]

User:H0l0

2026-02-22T17:04:27Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations)
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages, put Wikipedia portions of the article in block quotes)
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Ring

2026-02-22T17:02:27Z

H0l0: fixed an oops

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2013
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Ring.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://ring.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Ring_(company)|Ring]]''' is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by [[Amazon]], who acquired Ring in 2018.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250825111219/https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ Archived])</ref> Ring's products include their flagship Video Doorbell devices, as well as a number of cameras designed for mounting on the interior or exterior of properties.

The Ring line of devices have been involved in a number of controversies, largely related to the handling of user data. All data generated by a Ring device, including camera feeds, is processed on Amazon's servers. There have been a number of controversies relating to how this information is processed and with whom it is shared, with particular concern stemming from previously widespread internal access to Ring device data<ref name="FTC Report" />, as well as the sharing of data with various law enforcement agencies<ref name="BBC" />.
==Lawsuits==

===2023 FTC settlement===
In a complaint first announced in May 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] says that Ring deceived its customers by failing to restrict employees’ and contractors’ access to its customers’ videos, using its customer videos to train algorithms without consent, and failing to implement security safeguards. These practices led to egregious violations of users’ privacy.<ref name="FTC Report">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=FTC Sends Refunds to Ring Customers Stemming from 2023 Settlement over Charges the Company Failed to Block Employees and Hackers from Accessing Consumer Videos |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |website=FTC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206034223/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> The stated failure in security safeguard implementation is the result of a 2019 data breach where the log-in credentials for 3,672 Ring camera owners were compromised, exposing log-in emails, passwords, time zones, and the names people give to specific Ring cameras. Using the log-in email and password, an intruder could access a Ring customer’s home address, telephone number, and payment information, including the kind of card they have, and its last four digits and security code. An intruder could also access live camera footage from all active Ring cameras associated with an account, as well as a 30- to 60-day video history, depending on the user’s [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users|title=A Data Leak Exposed The Personal Information Of Over 3,000 Ring Users|first=Caroline|last=Haskins|date=2019-12-19|work=Buzzfeed |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217101243/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>

[[Ring]] settled the complaint for a sum of around $5.6 million to the 117,044 individuals who filed with the complaint, meaning the individual reimbursement was only around $60 per claim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/04/ring-agrees-to-pay-5-6-million-after-cameras-were-used-to-spy-on-customers|title=Ring agrees to pay $5.6 million after cameras were used to spy on customers|date=2024-04-25|work=Malwarebytes Labs|first=Pieter|last=Arntz|access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>; despite some users having lost privacy to highly sensitive videos as many users installed the cameras in sensitive spaces such as bedrooms for both adults and children.

==Vulnerabilities==
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Vulnerabilities|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In January 2019, it was uncovered that employees at Ring's two offices had access to the video recordings from all Ring devices.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wiggers|first=Kyle|date=January 10, 2019|title=Ring employees reportedly had access to all live and recorded customer videos|work=VentureBeat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/|access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220706094119/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/ |archive-date=6 Jul 2022}}</ref> In addition, ''The Intercept'' reported that the video data was stored unencrypted.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=January 10, 2018|title=For Owners of Amazon's Ring Security Cameras, Strangers May Have Been Watching Too|work=The Intercept|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/|access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162231/https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a December 2019 test, ''Motherboard'' found that Ring's software did not implement security features such as recognizing unknown IP addresses or providing a display of active login sessions, allowing the publication to access a Ring account from IP addresses based in multiple countries without warning the user.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Joseph|last1=Cox|access-date=February 20, 2020|title=We Tested Ring's Security. It's Awful|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security|date=December 17, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200928122245/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security |archive-date=28 Sep 2020}}</ref>

The Neighbors network leaks metadata about the footage posted in videos and "crime alerts". This metadata, combined with public city map data, is frequently sufficient to discover the exact location of the Ring doorbell or a camera. In one experiment, ''Gizmodo'' located 20,000 devices based on information collected (scraped from the app) over a period of month. University researchers were able to locate 440,000 devices using data spanning back to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring's Hidden Data Let Us Map Amazon's Sprawling Home Surveillance Network|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=Gizmodo|date=December 9, 2019|language=en-us |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163124/https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified a vulnerability in the Ring Video Doorbell Pro product in July 2019, which was patched before being publicly disclosed in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Palmer|first1=Danny|date=November 7, 2019|title=Amazon fixes Ring Video Doorbell wi-fi security vulnerability|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=ZDNet |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251009165958/https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/ |archive-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Alfred|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring doorbells had vulnerability leaking Wi-Fi login info, researchers find|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210219004814/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro Under the Scope|url=https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=Bitdefender |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222234028/https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref> Hackers accessed a number of Ring cameras in December 2019 and used the device speakers to broadcast racial slurs, threats, and other inflammatory language to multiple households across the United States.<ref name="Vice podcast">{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=December 12, 2019|title=Inside the Podcast that Hacks Ring Camera Owners Live on Air|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200913125207/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast |archive-date=13 Sep 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Murdock|first1=Jason|date=December 10, 2019|title=Ring camera hacker uses home security system to spew racial slurs at Florida family|url=https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Newsweek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115121626/https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howerton|first=Matt|date=December 11, 2019|title=Hacker says, 'pay bitcoin ransom or get terminated,' through couple's Ring security cameras|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WFAA |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231005180103/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94 |archive-date=5 Oct 2023}}</ref> A ''Motherboard'' investigation discovered crime forums that distributed software exploits of Ring devices that were used in the cyberattacks, and that members of the hacking forum Nulled had been recording their breaches as "podcasts".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Cole|first2=Samantha|date=December 11, 2019|title=How Hackers Are Breaking Into Ring Cameras|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200920060332/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras |archive-date=20 Sep 2020}}</ref> Ring responded to the incidents by advising its users to have strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and adopt other security measures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Holley|first1=Jessica|title=Family says hackers accessed a Ring camera in their 8-year-old daughter's room|url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WMC Action News 5|date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210724192131/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2021}}</ref> Ring mandated two-factor authentication for all users on February 18, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 19, 2020|title=Ring makes two-step verification mandatory|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=BBC News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162452/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Song|first=Victoria|date=February 18, 2020|title=Ring Finally Rolls Out Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication After Privacy Scandals|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=Gizmodo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163648/https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref></blockquote>

==Controversies==

===Subscription required for local storage===
[[Ring]] security cameras are a premium line of security cameras.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131837/https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why Archived])</ref> There are different subscriptions possible, there is basic, standard and premium.<ref name=":0">https://ring.com/plans; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250124214629/https://ring.com/plans Archive link of 2025-01-24]</ref> Ring cameras are [[Cloud (service)|cloud-first]], and with these subscriptions comes different variants of [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage for the video footage that your cameras record. There is also an additional product that you can buy, and for local recordings there is even a must buy for the more premium products.<ref>https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163915/https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro Archived])</ref> To record locally to a MicroSD card, you need the Ring Alarm Pro base station ($249.99)<ref>https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250108152541/https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station Archive link of 2025-01-08]</ref> and what is called "Ring Edge for Alarm Pro" in your subscription. The only subscription that offers this feature is the most expensive subscription, which is the premium subscription, costing $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.<ref name=":0" />

===Police partnerships===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Police_partnerships|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In June 2019, Ring faced criticism over a "Community Alert" program, under which the company has made geographically-targeted sponsored posts on social media services such as [[Meta|Facebook]], asking readers to provide tips on suspects in verified cases, based on imagery posted on the Neighbors service by a Ring customer. Ring stated that it sought permission from the user before using their content in this manner. However, these discoveries did lead to concerns over the use of such footage in material deemed to effectively be advertising, as well as concerns over other possible uses of the footage (such as for training facial recognition) due to the wide copyright license that users must grant to in order to use Neighbors (an irrevocable, unlimited, and royalty-free license to use shared content "for any purpose and in any media formats in any media channels without compensation to you"), and Ring's partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reichert|first=Corinne|title=Ring puts suspected thief in Facebook sponsored ads|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/|access-date=June 18, 2019|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201127201634/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Alba|first1=Davey|last2=Mac|first2=Ryan|date=June 7, 2019|title=Amazon's Doorbell Camera Company Is Using Security Video For Ads. That May Only Be The Beginning.|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116071705/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future criticized Ring for using its cameras and Neighbors app to build a private surveillance network via partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, which encourage them to promote the products. The group stated that these partnerships "undermine our democratic process and basic civil liberties".<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005|title=Amazon's Ring doorbell police tie-up criticised|work=BBC News|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|language=en-GB |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164103/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/|title=This map tells you where police have partnered with Amazon's Ring|last=Ng|first=Alfred|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201108021709/https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/ |archive-date=8 Nov 2020}}</ref> According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Ring used these partnerships and its marketing strategies to foster fear, which leads to a "vicious cycle" that spurs hardware sales. The organization said that Ring, as well as Neighbors and similar "neighborhood watch" apps such as Citizen and Nextdoor, "facilitate reporting of so-called 'suspicious' behavior that really amounts to racial profiling."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats|title=Amazon's Ring Is a Perfect Storm of Privacy Threats|last=Guariglia|first=Matthew|date=August 8, 2019|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104152148/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats |archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref> Matt Cagle of the American Civil Liberties Union said that the Ring Neighbors Portal "blurs the line between corporate and government surveillance" and that "Many people are not going to feel like they have a choice when law enforcement asks for access to their footage".<ref name="Intercept">{{cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=February 14, 2019|title=Amazon's Home Surveillance Chief Declared War on "Dirtbag Criminals" as Company Got Closer to Police|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/|access-date=January 17, 2020|website=The Intercept |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164207/https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In July 2019, Vice publication ''Motherboard'' obtained records revealing the extent of Ring's partnership with the Lakeland (Florida) Police Department (LPD). The department was granted access to a "Law Enforcement Neighborhood Portal" for making posts on Neighbors and the ability to "request videos directly from Ring users," and received a donation of 15 Ring cameras. However, the memorandum of understanding stated that the LPD would be required to participate in "outreach efforts on the platform to encourage adoption of the platform/app" (receiving $10 credits for Ring camera purchases for each new user). Ring also recommended that the LPD establish specific new positions for the partnership, including a "social media coordinator".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=July 25, 2019|title=Amazon Requires Police to Shill Surveillance Cameras in Secret Agreement|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200923141543/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement |archive-date=23 Sep 2020}}</ref> Later in the month, ''Motherboard'' obtained public records containing an officer's notes from an April 2019 training webinar, which stated that Ring had partnered with at least 200 law enforcement partners.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Maiberg|first2=Emanuel|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|last4=Koebler|first4=Jason|date=July 29, 2019|title=Amazon Told Police It Has Partnered With 200 Law Enforcement Agencies|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200903114936/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies |archive-date=3 Sep 2020}}</ref> In early August 2019, ''Motherboard'' also reported that Ring would match payments by cities to cover the subsidized purchase of Ring cameras, so that they could be resold to residents at a discount.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|date=August 2, 2019|title=US Cities Are Helping People Buy Amazon Surveillance Cameras With Taxpayer Money|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200921052023/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money |archive-date=21 Sep 2020}}</ref>

In November 2020, a pilot program in Jackson, Mississippi, enabled participating Ring users to enable police to livestream their cameras at any time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holmes|first=Aaron|title=Police are tapping into residents' Ring doorbells and home security cameras to stream 24/7 live video|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11|access-date=November 11, 2020|website=Business Insider |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128223106/https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref></blockquote>

===Alleged use of facial recognition technology===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Alleged_use_of_facial_recognition_technology|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In February 2018, Business Insider reported references to use of facial recognition technology in Ring's privacy policy. The policy stated:<blockquote>Where permitted by applicable law, you may choose to use additional functionality in your Ring product that, through video data from your device, '''can recognize facial characteristics of familiar visitors'''. For example, you may want to receive different notifications from your Ring Doorbell depending on whether a visitor is a stranger or a member of your household. '''If you choose to activate this feature, we obtain certain facial feature information about the visitors you ask your Ring product to recognize'''. We require your explicit consent before you can take advantage of this feature.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Shona|title=Amazon's newest acquisition, the doorbell startup Ring, made a smart move to fend off Google|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2|access-date=2023-07-20|website=Business Insider|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162805/https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-25|title=Privacy {{!}} Ring|url=https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725110729/https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy}}</ref></blockquote>In December 2018, patents filed by Ring surfaced to identify "suspicious" people and automatically alert police.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amazon's Ring takes heat for considering facial recognition for its video doorbells|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023324/https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In August 2019, a Buzzfeed News reported, "Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research."" The piece reported on a 2018 presentation from Ring Ukraine's "Head of Face Recognition Research", as well as a statement from Ring Ukraine's website stating, "We develop semi-automated crime prevention and monitoring systems which are based on, but not limited to, face recognition."<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Nicole|last1=Nguyen|first2=Ryan|last2=Mac|date=2019-08-30|title=Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research"|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine|access-date=2023-07-20|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023425/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-23|title=Ring Ukraine|url=https://ring-ukraine.com/|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523100219/https://ring-ukraine.com/}}</ref>

Also in 2019, as part of his investigation into Ring's cooperation with law enforcement, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts probed the company's privacy policy's reference to use of facial recognition technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=September 2019 Inquiry Letter from Sen. Markey to Ring|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117092911/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Investigation into Amazon Ring Doorbell Reveals Egregiously Lax Privacy Policies and Civil Rights Protections {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-investigation-into-amazon-ring-doorbell-reveals-egregiously-lax-privacy-policies-and-civil-rights-protections|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> Amazon responded:<blockquote>We do not currently offer facial recognition technology in Ring products. This sentence in the Privacy Notice refers to a contemplated, but unreleased feature. We do frequently innovate based on customer demand, and facial recognition features are increasingly common in consumer security cameras today, such as: Google Nest Hello, Tend Secure Lynx, Netamo Welcome, Wisenet Smartcam, and Honeywell Smart Home Security. If our customers want these features in Ring security cameras, we will only release these feature with thoughtful design including privacy, security, and user control; and we will clearly communicate with our customers as we offer new features.<ref>{{Cite web|title=November 2019 Response from Amazon to Sen. Markey|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005210212/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2019, the Intercept reported on internal documents detailing "Proactive Suspect Matching". The feature would use facial recognition to group videos and create a profile of an alleged criminal based on Ring camera footage.<ref name="Intercept" /> Ring denied that the feature was in use or development.

In 2020, Ring posted a one-sentence position stance on their blog stating, "Ring does not use facial recognition technology in any of its devices or services, and will neither sell nor offer facial recognition technology to law enforcement."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ring|date=2020-08-20|title=Ring's Stance on Facial Recognition Technology|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Ring Blog|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164227/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2021, Senator Markey and his colleagues introduced the "Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senators Markey, Merkley Lead Colleagues on Legislation to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition, Other Biometric Technology {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-merkley-lead-colleagues-on-legislation-to-ban-government-use-of-facial-recognition-other-biometric-technology|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> A year later, Markey renewed his investigation into Ring,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Renews Investigation into Amazon Ring's Surveillance Practices and Cooperation with Police {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-renews-investigation-into-amazon-rings-surveillance-practices-and-cooperation-with-police|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> and in July 2022, Markey cited Ring's "[refusal] to commit to not incorporating facial recognition technology in its products" as evidence of the need for legislation to "prohibit use of biometric technology by federal agencies and condition federal grant funding to state and local entities on moratoria on the use of biometric technology."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey's Probe into Amazon Ring Reveals New Privacy Problems {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markeys-probe-into-amazon-ring-reveals-new-privacy-problems|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref>

[[Amazon]] has attempted to distance themselves from Ring Ukraine, the branch responsible for developing computer vision and facial recognition solutions. In a statement for release, the general manager of the Kyiv-based office commented, "We are no longer part of a small startup, but a full-fledged R&D center working for one of the world's largest corporations. [We are involved not only in Ring's product line but also in many other Amazon projects. That is,] We are a large Ukrainian team of specialists working on the world market." At legal's request, the general manager was asked to remove the reference to [[Amazon]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=2020-01-24|title=Ring Ukraine News Suppressed at Amazon's Request, Journalists Say|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Intercept|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116003522/https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/ |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref> "Ring Ukraine" was eventually rebranded as "Squad".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring Ukraine office need you to forget they are part of Amazon|url=https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=AIN.Capital|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240719174131/https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/ |archive-date=19 Jul 2024}}</ref></blockquote>

===Alleged user tracking===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Allegations_of_user_tracking|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>On January 27, 2020, the Electronic Frontier Foundation concluded that the Ring doorbell app for [[Android]] was sending identifiable personal information– including names, IP addresses, mobile network carriers, persistent IDs, and sensor data–to AppsFlyer, branch.io, [[Meta|Facebook]], and Mixpanel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers|title=Ring Doorbell App Packed with Third-Party Trackers|last=Budington|first=Bill|date=January 27, 2020|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120204644/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies|title=Amazon's Ring will let users opt out of sharing data with other companies|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=February 14, 2020|website=Fast Company|access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405183101/https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref></blockquote>

===Flock Safety ''(2025-2026)''===
{{Main|Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)}}
Flock and Ring have had a partnership since October 2025, with Flock stating in a blog post how the integration into Ring "makes it easier for neighbors to support one another while keeping control of their own information" and "helps officers save valuable time that would otherwise be spent knocking on doors".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities|title=Flock Safety and Ring Partner to Help Neighborhoods Work Together for Safer Communities|date=2025-10-31|website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163143/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Before this announcement, there have been many examples of the state and federal departments (namely DHS) in the United States utilizing the Flock Safety network questionably, despite Amazon stating Ring "does not give ICE videos, feeds, or back-end access".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock|title=Ring says it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras|first=Jennifer|last=Touhy|work=The Verge|date=2026-01-22 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123175555/https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> Laws such as the Third-Party Doctrine imply that information a user voluntarily shares with a third party is not protected by the Fourth Amendment, such as footage uploaded to Amazon's cloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-130/if-these-walls-could-talk-the-smart-home-and-the-fourth-amendment-limits-of-the-third-party-doctrine/|title=If These Walls Could Talk: The Smart Home and the Fourth Amendment Limits of the Third Party Doctrine|date=2017-05-09|work=Harvard Law Review|quote=In doing so, it held that there could not have been a reasonable expectation of privacy here due to the voluntary sharing of the information with a third party and the fact that Smith could not have had a reasonable expectation of privacy in something as nominally informative as the numbers he dialed}}</ref>

On February 12, Ring terminated its contract with [[Flock Safety]] over the integration requiring "significantly more time and resources than anticipated".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/|title=Ring and Flock Cancel Partnership|date=2026-02-12|author=Ring|work=Ring Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218143503/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> On Flock's part, they state "the integration never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership|title=Flock and Ring Cancel Announced Community Requests Integration|date=2026-02-12|work=Flock Safety|access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163236/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Search Party ''(2026)''===
On February 8, 2026, Ring would air a commercial for their "search party" feature for the Super Bowl. In the ad, the founder Jamie Siminoff states the feature has helped "more than a dog a day has been reunited with their family" out of 10 million a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/|title=With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet|date=2026-02-10|work=404Media|first=Jason|last=Koebler |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165139/https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Many Ring owners voiced concerns regarding this new feature, with those stating its dystopian and invasive nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1qzrts8/ring_search_party/|title=Ring “Search Party” |work=Reddit|author=u/Check123ok|date=2026-02-08}}</ref> This feature is opt-in by default and can be used alongside a premium "familiar faces" feature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0|title=No One, Including Our Furry Friends, Will Be Safer in Ring's Surveillance Nightmare|work=EFF|date=2026-02-10|first=Beryl|last=Lipton |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165255/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> On February 18, 2026, emails were leaked showing Siminoff saying how Ring "could have potentially been used to help find Charlie Kirk’s killer" in regards to the community requests feature, in addition to a spokesperson saying "the decision [of sharing] remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|title=Leaked Email Suggests Ring Plans to Expand ‘Search Party’ Surveillance Beyond Dogs|first=Jason|last=Koebler|work=404Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218144321/https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Products==

===Cameras===
*Stick Up Cam (1st generation; 2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-review/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam review: Ring's solar-powered security camera fails to outshine rivals|work=CNET|date=2016-12-12|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/product/ring-stick-up-cam-battery/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam Battery review: An all around security camera, inside and out|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|date=2019-05-22|work=ZDNet}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Wired (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-wired-2018-preview/|title=Ring's redesigned Stick Up Cams want a spot inside your home|work=CNET|first=Meghan|last=Wollerton|date=2018-10-18}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-elite-preview/|title=Ring's Stick Up Cam Elite doesn't bother with batteries|work=CNET|date=2018-01-08|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Ring Peephole Cam/Door View Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref name="RingHistory">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/a-brief-history-of-the-ring-video-doorbell-and-its-evolution-over-the-last-10-years|title=A brief history of the Ring Video Doorbell and its evolution over the last 10 years|work=AmazonNews|date=2023-05-02|first=Jay|last=Moye|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ring-indoor-cam|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2019) Review|work=PCMag|date=2019-12-02|first=John|last=Delaney|archive-url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/2xsswpd01u70/4VsoGg22BdTKWBynhnsvg8/49e66f2cee0e00d10c9cf8ad31f3969a/UK_Indoor_Cam.pdf|archive-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam (Wired/Battery/Solar)/Stick Up Cam (3rd generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forums.woot.com/t/ring-stick-up-cam-battery-or-plug-in-3rd-gen-2019-release/1678290|title=Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery or Plug In) 3rd Gen (2019 release)|work=Woot!|date=2024-09-01|author=wootbot|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (2nd generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-indoor-cam-2nd-gen-review|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen) review: new privacy shield, but fairly unchanged|work=TechRadar|date=2023-07-07|first=Josephine|last=Watson}}</ref>
*Ring Car Cam (1st generation; 2023)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/1/24145445/ring-pan-tilt-indoor-cam-colors-price-release-date|title=Ring’s first integrated pan and tilt camera comes in pink|work=The Verge|date=2024-05-01|first=Jennifer|last=Tuohy}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cepro.com/news/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-powered-by-ring-vision/146895/|title=The New Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is Powered by Ring Vision|date=2025-02-20|first=Robert|last=Archer}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro" />
*Outdoor Cam Pro (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-cameras-get-4k-upgrade-security-cam-network-to-find-lost-dogs|title=Ring Cameras Get 4K Upgrade, Security Cam Network to Find Lost Dogs|date=2025-09-30|work=PCMag|first=James|last=Peckham}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Pro PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />
*Indoor Cam Plus (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />

===Chimes===
*Chime (1st generation; 2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chime (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219201828/https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |archive-date=19 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Chime (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/11/21174876/amazon-ring-new-video-doorbell-3-plus-chime-pro-pre-roll|title=Amazon’s Ring announces the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Video Doorbell 3 Plus|work=The Verge|date=2020-03-11|first=Jay|last=Peters}}</ref>
*Chime (3rd generation; 2025)
*Chime Pro (1st generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Chime Pro (2nd generation; 2025)

===Doorbells===
*Video Doorbell (1st generation; 2014)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Pro/Wired Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2016)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 2 (2017)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Elite (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://electricalconnection.com.au/ring-launches-ring-video-doorbell-elite/|title=Ring launches Ring Video Doorbell Elite|first=Simeon|last=Barut|date=2017-10-27|work=Electrical Connection|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell 3 (2020)<ref name="RingHistory" /><ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell 3 Plus (2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Wired (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|title=Ring Video Doorbell Wired|access-date=2026-02-19|work=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211064437/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|archive-date=2025-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell Pro 2/Wired Doorbell Pro (2nd generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/ring-video-doorbell-pro-2-is-confirmed-and-its-available-to-pre-order-now|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is confirmed, and it’s available to pre-order now|work=TechRadar|date=2021-02-24|first=Carrie-Ann|last=Skinner|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 4 (2024)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Battery Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-uk.ring.com/blogs/alwayshome/ring-launches-battery-video-doorbell-plus-our-most-significant-battery-doorbell-update-yet|title=Ring Launches Battery Video Doorbell Plus, Our Most Significant Battery Doorbell Update Yet.|date=2023-03-08|work=Ring UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|title=Ring Battery Doorbell - Video Doorbell Camera|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218220602/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell Pro (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-battery-video-doorbell-pro-review|title=Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro review: Ring upgrades last year’s Battery Doorbell Plus|work=TechRadar|first=Les|last=Watson|date=2024-03-19}}</ref>

*Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring Wired Doorbell Elite - 4K Video Doorbell |url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219181957/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |archive-date=2026-02-19 |access-date= |work=Amazon}}</ref>

===Floodlights===
*Floodlight Cam (1st Generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floodlight Cam (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/cameras/floodlight-cam-gen-1?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Plus (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Floodlight-Cam-Wired-Plus/dp/B08F6GPQQ7/|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (newest model), Outdoor home or business security with motion-activated 1080p HD video and floodlights, White |work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Wired Pro (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/ring-brings-radar-to-a-new-spotlight-camera/|title=Ring brings radar to a new floodlight camera |work=CNET|date=2021-04-07|first=David|last=Priest}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67KWWQH|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, Wired (newest model), Home or business security, Retinal 4K with wide-angle video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, and 2000 Lumen Floodlights, White|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG" />

===Others===
*Smart Lighting Bridge (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2806681/ring-has-discontinued-its-least-expensive-smart-lighting-hub.html|title=Ring has discontinued its least expensive smart lighting hub|date=2025-06-06|work=PCWorld|first=Ben|last=Patterson}}</ref>
*Ring Bridge (2nd generation; TBA)

===Spotlights===
*Spotlight Cam Wired/Solar/Battery/Mount (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/31/ring-spotlight-cam/|title=Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security|date=2017-07-31|work=MacRumors|first=Eric|last=Slivka}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Plus Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-spotlight-cam-gets-a-pro-upgrade-with-3d-motion-radar-birds-eye-view|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Gets a Pro Upgrade With 3D Motion Radar, Bird's Eye View|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|date=2022-09-28|work=PCMag}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Pro Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2" />
*Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/ring-spotlight-cam-pro-2nd-gen-plug-in-retinal-4k-for-ultra-clear-video-10x-enhanced-zoom-2-led-spotlights-to-illuminate-key-outdoor-areas-black/-/A-94965503|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Pro 2nd Gen Plug-In Retinal 4K for Ultra-Clear Video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, 2 LED Spotlights to Illuminate Key Outdoor Areas - Black|work=Target|date=2025-10-29|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

===Security systems===


*Alarm Base Station (1st generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/news/ring-alarm-release-date-in-usa/|title=Ring Alarm release date…in USA|date=2018-06-13|work=Smart Home Geeks UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Base Station (2nd generation; 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/ring-alarm-system-2nd-gen-review/|title=Ring Alarm System 2nd Gen Review|date=2020-11-27|first=Brendan|last=Frye|work=CGM Tech|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Pro Base Station (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22692073/ring-alarm-pro-amazon-event-release-date-specs-price-features|title=Amazon’s new Ring Alarm Pro combines a security system with an Eero router|work=The Verge|date=2021-09-28|first=Jennifer|last=Pattison|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Arlo]]
*[[Axis]]
*[[Blink]]
*[[Eufy]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Wyze]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]

Ring

2026-02-22T16:57:04Z

H0l0: Put Wikipedia sections in block quotes so when someone would like to add to the section, the Wikipedia portion of the section and the original portion of the section can be easily distinguishable

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2013
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Ring.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://ring.com/
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Ring_(company)|Ring]]''' is a manufacturer of home security and smart home devices owned by [[Amazon]], who acquired Ring in 2018.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250825111219/https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/12/amazon-officially-owns-ring-so-lets-talk-product-integration/ Archived])</ref> Ring's products include their flagship Video Doorbell devices, as well as a number of cameras designed for mounting on the interior or exterior of properties.

The Ring line of devices have been involved in a number of controversies, largely related to the handling of user data. All data generated by a Ring device, including camera feeds, is processed on Amazon's servers. There have been a number of controversies relating to how this information is processed and with whom it is shared, with particular concern stemming from previously widespread internal access to Ring device data<ref name="FTC Report" />, as well as the sharing of data with various law enforcement agencies<ref name="BBC" />.
==Lawsuits==

===2023 FTC settlement===
In a complaint first announced in May 2023, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] says that Ring deceived its customers by failing to restrict employees’ and contractors’ access to its customers’ videos, using its customer videos to train algorithms without consent, and failing to implement security safeguards. These practices led to egregious violations of users’ privacy.<ref name="FTC Report">{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=FTC Sends Refunds to Ring Customers Stemming from 2023 Settlement over Charges the Company Failed to Block Employees and Hackers from Accessing Consumer Videos |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |website=FTC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206034223/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-sends-refunds-ring-customers-stemming-2023-settlement-over-charges-company-failed-block |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> The stated failure in security safeguard implementation is the result of a 2019 data breach where the log-in credentials for 3,672 Ring camera owners were compromised, exposing log-in emails, passwords, time zones, and the names people give to specific Ring cameras. Using the log-in email and password, an intruder could access a Ring customer’s home address, telephone number, and payment information, including the kind of card they have, and its last four digits and security code. An intruder could also access live camera footage from all active Ring cameras associated with an account, as well as a 30- to 60-day video history, depending on the user’s [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users|title=A Data Leak Exposed The Personal Information Of Over 3,000 Ring Users|first=Caroline|last=Haskins|date=2019-12-19|work=Buzzfeed |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217101243/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/data-leak-exposes-personal-data-over-3000-ring-camera-users |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>

[[Ring]] settled the complaint for a sum of around $5.6 million to the 117,044 individuals who filed with the complaint, meaning the individual reimbursement was only around $60 per claim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/04/ring-agrees-to-pay-5-6-million-after-cameras-were-used-to-spy-on-customers|title=Ring agrees to pay $5.6 million after cameras were used to spy on customers|date=2024-04-25|work=Malwarebytes Labs|first=Pieter|last=Arntz|access-date=2026-02-18}}</ref>; despite some users having lost privacy to highly sensitive videos as many users installed the cameras in sensitive spaces such as bedrooms for both adults and children.

==Vulnerabilities==
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Vulnerabilities|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In January 2019, it was uncovered that employees at Ring's two offices had access to the video recordings from all Ring devices.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wiggers|first=Kyle|date=January 10, 2019|title=Ring employees reportedly had access to all live and recorded customer videos|work=VentureBeat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/|access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220706094119/https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/10/ring-employees-reportedly-had-access-to-all-live-and-recorded-customer-videos/ |archive-date=6 Jul 2022}}</ref> In addition, ''The Intercept'' reported that the video data was stored unencrypted.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=January 10, 2018|title=For Owners of Amazon's Ring Security Cameras, Strangers May Have Been Watching Too|work=The Intercept|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/|access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162231/https://theintercept.com/2019/01/10/amazon-ring-security-camera/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a December 2019 test, ''Motherboard'' found that Ring's software did not implement security features such as recognizing unknown IP addresses or providing a display of active login sessions, allowing the publication to access a Ring account from IP addresses based in multiple countries without warning the user.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Joseph|last1=Cox|access-date=February 20, 2020|title=We Tested Ring's Security. It's Awful|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security|date=December 17, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200928122245/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security |archive-date=28 Sep 2020}}</ref>

The Neighbors network leaks metadata about the footage posted in videos and "crime alerts". This metadata, combined with public city map data, is frequently sufficient to discover the exact location of the Ring doorbell or a camera. In one experiment, ''Gizmodo'' located 20,000 devices based on information collected (scraped from the app) over a period of month. University researchers were able to locate 440,000 devices using data spanning back to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring's Hidden Data Let Us Map Amazon's Sprawling Home Surveillance Network|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=Gizmodo|date=December 9, 2019|language=en-us |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163124/https://gizmodo.com/ring-s-hidden-data-let-us-map-amazons-sprawling-home-su-1840312279 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Cybersecurity firm Bitdefender identified a vulnerability in the Ring Video Doorbell Pro product in July 2019, which was patched before being publicly disclosed in November 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Palmer|first1=Danny|date=November 7, 2019|title=Amazon fixes Ring Video Doorbell wi-fi security vulnerability|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=ZDNet |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251009165958/https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-fixes-ring-video-doorbell-wi-fi-security-vulnerability/ |archive-date=9 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Alfred|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring doorbells had vulnerability leaking Wi-Fi login info, researchers find|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210219004814/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-doorbells-had-vulnerability-leaking-wi-fi-login-info-researchers-found/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=November 7, 2019|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro Under the Scope|url=https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf|access-date=December 13, 2019|website=Bitdefender |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222234028/https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/294/Bitdefender-WhitePaper-RDoor-CREA3949-en-EN-GenericUse.pdf |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref> Hackers accessed a number of Ring cameras in December 2019 and used the device speakers to broadcast racial slurs, threats, and other inflammatory language to multiple households across the United States.<ref name="Vice podcast">{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=December 12, 2019|title=Inside the Podcast that Hacks Ring Camera Owners Live on Air|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200913125207/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/z3bbq4/podcast-livestreams-hacked-ring-cameras-nulledcast |archive-date=13 Sep 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Murdock|first1=Jason|date=December 10, 2019|title=Ring camera hacker uses home security system to spew racial slurs at Florida family|url=https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Newsweek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115121626/https://www.newsweek.com/florida-cape-coral-amazon-ring-home-security-system-hacked-racial-slurs-1476430 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Howerton|first=Matt|date=December 11, 2019|title=Hacker says, 'pay bitcoin ransom or get terminated,' through couple's Ring security cameras|url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WFAA |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231005180103/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/hacker-says-pay-bitcoin-ransom-or-get-terminated-through-couples-ring-security-cameras/287-226c535c-c765-4b29-91b6-d849fb315e94 |archive-date=5 Oct 2023}}</ref> A ''Motherboard'' investigation discovered crime forums that distributed software exploits of Ring devices that were used in the cyberattacks, and that members of the hacking forum Nulled had been recording their breaches as "podcasts".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Joseph|last2=Cole|first2=Samantha|date=December 11, 2019|title=How Hackers Are Breaking Into Ring Cameras|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200920060332/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3a88k5/how-hackers-are-breaking-into-ring-cameras |archive-date=20 Sep 2020}}</ref> Ring responded to the incidents by advising its users to have strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and adopt other security measures.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Holley|first1=Jessica|title=Family says hackers accessed a Ring camera in their 8-year-old daughter's room|url=https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/|access-date=December 12, 2019|website=WMC Action News 5|date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210724192131/https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/12/11/family-says-hackers-accessed-ring-camera-their-year-old-daughters-room/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2021}}</ref> Ring mandated two-factor authentication for all users on February 18, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 19, 2020|title=Ring makes two-step verification mandatory|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=BBC News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162452/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51555450 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Song|first=Victoria|date=February 18, 2020|title=Ring Finally Rolls Out Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication After Privacy Scandals|url=https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958|access-date=February 20, 2020|website=Gizmodo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163648/https://gizmodo.com/ring-finally-rolls-out-mandatory-two-factor-authenticat-1841760958 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref></blockquote>

==Controversies==

===Subscription required for local storage===
[[Ring]] security cameras are a premium line of security cameras.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131837/https://www.theverge.com/22704290/amazon-blink-ring-camera-doorbell-brands-smart-home-why Archived])</ref> There are different subscriptions possible, there is basic, standard and premium.<ref name=":0">https://ring.com/plans; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250124214629/https://ring.com/plans Archive link of 2025-01-24]</ref> Ring cameras are [[Cloud (service)|cloud-first]], and with these subscriptions comes different variants of [[Cloud (service)|cloud]] storage for the video footage that your cameras record. There is also an additional product that you can buy, and for local recordings there is even a must buy for the more premium products.<ref>https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260220163915/https://ring.com/support/articles/t6xbc/Store-and-Process-Videos-Locally-with-Ring-Edge-and-Ring-Alarm-Pro Archived])</ref> To record locally to a MicroSD card, you need the Ring Alarm Pro base station ($249.99)<ref>https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station; [https://web.archive.org/web/20250108152541/https://ring.com/products/alarm-pro-base-station Archive link of 2025-01-08]</ref> and what is called "Ring Edge for Alarm Pro" in your subscription. The only subscription that offers this feature is the most expensive subscription, which is the premium subscription, costing $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.<ref name=":0" />

===Police partnerships===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Police_partnerships|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In June 2019, Ring faced criticism over a "Community Alert" program, under which the company has made geographically-targeted sponsored posts on social media services such as [[Meta|Facebook]], asking readers to provide tips on suspects in verified cases, based on imagery posted on the Neighbors service by a Ring customer. Ring stated that it sought permission from the user before using their content in this manner. However, these discoveries did lead to concerns over the use of such footage in material deemed to effectively be advertising, as well as concerns over other possible uses of the footage (such as for training facial recognition) due to the wide copyright license that users must grant to in order to use Neighbors (an irrevocable, unlimited, and royalty-free license to use shared content "for any purpose and in any media formats in any media channels without compensation to you"), and Ring's partnerships with local law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reichert|first=Corinne|title=Ring puts suspected thief in Facebook sponsored ads|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/|access-date=June 18, 2019|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201127201634/https://www.cnet.com/news/ring-puts-suspected-thief-in-facebook-sponsored-ads/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Alba|first1=Davey|last2=Mac|first2=Ryan|date=June 7, 2019|title=Amazon's Doorbell Camera Company Is Using Security Video For Ads. That May Only Be The Beginning.|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116071705/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/amazon-ring-doorbell-company-using-security-footage-for-ads |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future criticized Ring for using its cameras and Neighbors app to build a private surveillance network via partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, which encourage them to promote the products. The group stated that these partnerships "undermine our democratic process and basic civil liberties".<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005|title=Amazon's Ring doorbell police tie-up criticised|work=BBC News|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|language=en-GB |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164103/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49191005 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/|title=This map tells you where police have partnered with Amazon's Ring|last=Ng|first=Alfred|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201108021709/https://www.cnet.com/news/this-map-tells-you-where-police-have-partnered-with-amazons-ring/ |archive-date=8 Nov 2020}}</ref> According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Ring used these partnerships and its marketing strategies to foster fear, which leads to a "vicious cycle" that spurs hardware sales. The organization said that Ring, as well as Neighbors and similar "neighborhood watch" apps such as Citizen and Nextdoor, "facilitate reporting of so-called 'suspicious' behavior that really amounts to racial profiling."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats|title=Amazon's Ring Is a Perfect Storm of Privacy Threats|last=Guariglia|first=Matthew|date=August 8, 2019|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=August 13, 2019 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104152148/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/amazons-ring-perfect-storm-privacy-threats |archive-date=4 Jan 2026}}</ref> Matt Cagle of the American Civil Liberties Union said that the Ring Neighbors Portal "blurs the line between corporate and government surveillance" and that "Many people are not going to feel like they have a choice when law enforcement asks for access to their footage".<ref name="Intercept">{{cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=February 14, 2019|title=Amazon's Home Surveillance Chief Declared War on "Dirtbag Criminals" as Company Got Closer to Police|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/|access-date=January 17, 2020|website=The Intercept |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164207/https://theintercept.com/2019/02/14/amazon-ring-police-surveillance/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In July 2019, Vice publication ''Motherboard'' obtained records revealing the extent of Ring's partnership with the Lakeland (Florida) Police Department (LPD). The department was granted access to a "Law Enforcement Neighborhood Portal" for making posts on Neighbors and the ability to "request videos directly from Ring users," and received a donation of 15 Ring cameras. However, the memorandum of understanding stated that the LPD would be required to participate in "outreach efforts on the platform to encourage adoption of the platform/app" (receiving $10 credits for Ring camera purchases for each new user). Ring also recommended that the LPD establish specific new positions for the partnership, including a "social media coordinator".<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|date=July 25, 2019|title=Amazon Requires Police to Shill Surveillance Cameras in Secret Agreement|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200923141543/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement |archive-date=23 Sep 2020}}</ref> Later in the month, ''Motherboard'' obtained public records containing an officer's notes from an April 2019 training webinar, which stated that Ring had partnered with at least 200 law enforcement partners.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Maiberg|first2=Emanuel|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|last4=Koebler|first4=Jason|date=July 29, 2019|title=Amazon Told Police It Has Partnered With 200 Law Enforcement Agencies|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200903114936/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/j5wyjy/amazon-told-police-it-has-partnered-with-200-law-enforcement-agencies |archive-date=3 Sep 2020}}</ref> In early August 2019, ''Motherboard'' also reported that Ring would match payments by cities to cover the subsidized purchase of Ring cameras, so that they could be resold to residents at a discount.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Haskins|first1=Caroline|last2=Koebler|first2=Jason|last3=Mead|first3=Derek|date=August 2, 2019|title=US Cities Are Helping People Buy Amazon Surveillance Cameras With Taxpayer Money|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money|access-date=August 2, 2019|website=Vice|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200921052023/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3ag37/us-cities-are-helping-people-buy-amazon-surveillance-cameras-using-taxpayer-money |archive-date=21 Sep 2020}}</ref>

In November 2020, a pilot program in Jackson, Mississippi, enabled participating Ring users to enable police to livestream their cameras at any time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holmes|first=Aaron|title=Police are tapping into residents' Ring doorbells and home security cameras to stream 24/7 live video|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11|access-date=November 11, 2020|website=Business Insider |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128223106/https://www.businessinsider.com/ring-doorbells-live-video-security-camera-police-fusus-2020-11 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025}}</ref></blockquote>

===Alleged use of facial recognition technology===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Alleged_use_of_facial_recognition_technology|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>In February 2018, Business Insider reported references to use of facial recognition technology in Ring's privacy policy. The policy stated:<blockquote>Where permitted by applicable law, you may choose to use additional functionality in your Ring product that, through video data from your device, '''can recognize facial characteristics of familiar visitors'''. For example, you may want to receive different notifications from your Ring Doorbell depending on whether a visitor is a stranger or a member of your household. '''If you choose to activate this feature, we obtain certain facial feature information about the visitors you ask your Ring product to recognize'''. We require your explicit consent before you can take advantage of this feature.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Shona|title=Amazon's newest acquisition, the doorbell startup Ring, made a smart move to fend off Google|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2|access-date=2023-07-20|website=Business Insider|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220162805/https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-smart-doorbell-ring-facial-recognition-2018-2 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-07-25|title=Privacy {{!}} Ring|url=https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725110729/https://shop.ring.com/pages/privacy}}</ref></blockquote>In December 2018, patents filed by Ring surfaced to identify "suspicious" people and automatically alert police.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amazon's Ring takes heat for considering facial recognition for its video doorbells|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=CNET|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023324/https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazons-ring-takes-heat-for-considering-facial-recognition-for-its-video-doorbells/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In August 2019, a Buzzfeed News reported, "Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research."" The piece reported on a 2018 presentation from Ring Ukraine's "Head of Face Recognition Research", as well as a statement from Ring Ukraine's website stating, "We develop semi-automated crime prevention and monitoring systems which are based on, but not limited to, face recognition."<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Nicole|last1=Nguyen|first2=Ryan|last2=Mac|date=2019-08-30|title=Ring Says It Doesn't Use Facial Recognition, But It Has "A Head Of Face Recognition Research"|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine|access-date=2023-07-20|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206023425/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/nicolenguyen/amazon-ring-facial-recognition-ukraine |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-23|title=Ring Ukraine|url=https://ring-ukraine.com/|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523100219/https://ring-ukraine.com/}}</ref>

Also in 2019, as part of his investigation into Ring's cooperation with law enforcement, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts probed the company's privacy policy's reference to use of facial recognition technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=September 2019 Inquiry Letter from Sen. Markey to Ring|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117092911/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Markey%20letter%20-%20Ring%20Law%20Enforcement%209.5.19.pdf |archive-date=17 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Investigation into Amazon Ring Doorbell Reveals Egregiously Lax Privacy Policies and Civil Rights Protections {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-investigation-into-amazon-ring-doorbell-reveals-egregiously-lax-privacy-policies-and-civil-rights-protections|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> Amazon responded:<blockquote>We do not currently offer facial recognition technology in Ring products. This sentence in the Privacy Notice refers to a contemplated, but unreleased feature. We do frequently innovate based on customer demand, and facial recognition features are increasingly common in consumer security cameras today, such as: Google Nest Hello, Tend Secure Lynx, Netamo Welcome, Wisenet Smartcam, and Honeywell Smart Home Security. If our customers want these features in Ring security cameras, we will only release these feature with thoughtful design including privacy, security, and user control; and we will clearly communicate with our customers as we offer new features.<ref>{{Cite web|title=November 2019 Response from Amazon to Sen. Markey|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251005210212/https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Response%20Letter_Ring_Senator%20Markey%2011.01.2019.pdf |archive-date=5 Oct 2025}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2019, the Intercept reported on internal documents detailing "Proactive Suspect Matching". The feature would use facial recognition to group videos and create a profile of an alleged criminal based on Ring camera footage.<ref name="Intercept" /> Ring denied that the feature was in use or development.

In 2020, Ring posted a one-sentence position stance on their blog stating, "Ring does not use facial recognition technology in any of its devices or services, and will neither sell nor offer facial recognition technology to law enforcement."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ring|date=2020-08-20|title=Ring's Stance on Facial Recognition Technology|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Ring Blog|language=en |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220164227/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/rings-stance-on-facial-recognition-technology/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2021, Senator Markey and his colleagues introduced the "Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senators Markey, Merkley Lead Colleagues on Legislation to Ban Government Use of Facial Recognition, Other Biometric Technology {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-markey-merkley-lead-colleagues-on-legislation-to-ban-government-use-of-facial-recognition-other-biometric-technology|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> A year later, Markey renewed his investigation into Ring,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey Renews Investigation into Amazon Ring's Surveillance Practices and Cooperation with Police {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-renews-investigation-into-amazon-rings-surveillance-practices-and-cooperation-with-police|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref> and in July 2022, Markey cited Ring's "[refusal] to commit to not incorporating facial recognition technology in its products" as evidence of the need for legislation to "prohibit use of biometric technology by federal agencies and condition federal grant funding to state and local entities on moratoria on the use of biometric technology."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senator Markey's Probe into Amazon Ring Reveals New Privacy Problems {{!}} U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts|url=https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markeys-probe-into-amazon-ring-reveals-new-privacy-problems|access-date=2023-07-20|website=www.markey.senate.gov|language=en}}</ref>

[[Amazon]] has attempted to distance themselves from Ring Ukraine, the branch responsible for developing computer vision and facial recognition solutions. In a statement for release, the general manager of the Kyiv-based office commented, "We are no longer part of a small startup, but a full-fledged R&D center working for one of the world's largest corporations. [We are involved not only in Ring's product line but also in many other Amazon projects. That is,] We are a large Ukrainian team of specialists working on the world market." At legal's request, the general manager was asked to remove the reference to [[Amazon]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Biddle|first=Sam|date=2020-01-24|title=Ring Ukraine News Suppressed at Amazon's Request, Journalists Say|url=https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=The Intercept|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116003522/https://theintercept.com/2020/01/24/amazon-ring-ukraine/ |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref> "Ring Ukraine" was eventually rebranded as "Squad".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ring Ukraine office need you to forget they are part of Amazon|url=https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/|access-date=2023-07-20|website=AIN.Capital|language=en-US |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240719174131/https://ain.capital/2021/01/29/ring-ukraine-changes-its-name-to-squad/ |archive-date=19 Jul 2024}}</ref></blockquote>

===Alleged user tracking===
''The following section was sourced from [[Wikipedia:Ring_(company)#Allegations_of_user_tracking|Wikipedia]]:''

<blockquote>On January 27, 2020, the Electronic Frontier Foundation concluded that the Ring doorbell app for [[Android]] was sending identifiable personal information– including names, IP addresses, mobile network carriers, persistent IDs, and sensor data–to AppsFlyer, branch.io, [[Meta|Facebook]], and Mixpanel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers|title=Ring Doorbell App Packed with Third-Party Trackers|last=Budington|first=Bill|date=January 27, 2020|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120204644/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/01/ring-doorbell-app-packed-third-party-trackers |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies|title=Amazon's Ring will let users opt out of sharing data with other companies|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=February 14, 2020|website=Fast Company|access-date=March 23, 2020 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405183101/https://www.fastcompany.com/90464883/amazons-ring-will-let-users-opt-out-of-sharing-data-with-other-companies |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref>

===Flock Safety ''(2025-2026)''===
{{Main|Proposed Ring-Flock partnership (2025-2026)}}
Flock and Ring have had a partnership since October 2025, with Flock stating in a blog post how the integration into Ring "makes it easier for neighbors to support one another while keeping control of their own information" and "helps officers save valuable time that would otherwise be spent knocking on doors".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities|title=Flock Safety and Ring Partner to Help Neighborhoods Work Together for Safer Communities|date=2025-10-31|website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163143/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-and-ring-partner-to-help-neighborhoods-work-together-for-safer-communities |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Before this announcement, there have been many examples of the state and federal departments (namely DHS) in the United States utilizing the Flock Safety network questionably, despite Amazon stating Ring "does not give ICE videos, feeds, or back-end access".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock|title=Ring says it’s not giving ICE access to its cameras|first=Jennifer|last=Touhy|work=The Verge|date=2026-01-22 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123175555/https://www.theverge.com/news/866003/ring-ice-camera-access-flock |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> Laws such as the Third-Party Doctrine imply that information a user voluntarily shares with a third party is not protected by the Fourth Amendment, such as footage uploaded to Amazon's cloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-130/if-these-walls-could-talk-the-smart-home-and-the-fourth-amendment-limits-of-the-third-party-doctrine/|title=If These Walls Could Talk: The Smart Home and the Fourth Amendment Limits of the Third Party Doctrine|date=2017-05-09|work=Harvard Law Review|quote=In doing so, it held that there could not have been a reasonable expectation of privacy here due to the voluntary sharing of the information with a third party and the fact that Smith could not have had a reasonable expectation of privacy in something as nominally informative as the numbers he dialed}}</ref>

On February 12, Ring terminated its contract with [[Flock Safety]] over the integration requiring "significantly more time and resources than anticipated".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/|title=Ring and Flock Cancel Partnership|date=2026-02-12|author=Ring|work=Ring Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218143503/https://blog.ring.com/about-ring/ring-and-flock-cancel-partnership/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> On Flock's part, they state "the integration never launched, so no Ring customer videos were ever sent to Flock".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership|title=Flock and Ring Cancel Announced Community Requests Integration|date=2026-02-12|work=Flock Safety|access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220163236/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/an-update-on-ring-partnership |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Search Party ''(2026)''===
On February 8, 2026, Ring would air a commercial for their "search party" feature for the Super Bowl. In the ad, the founder Jamie Siminoff states the feature has helped "more than a dog a day has been reunited with their family" out of 10 million a year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/|title=With Ring, American Consumers Built a Surveillance Dragnet|date=2026-02-10|work=404Media|first=Jason|last=Koebler |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165139/https://www.404media.co/with-ring-american-consumers-built-a-surveillance-dragnet/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Many Ring owners voiced concerns regarding this new feature, with those stating its dystopian and invasive nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1qzrts8/ring_search_party/|title=Ring “Search Party” |work=Reddit|author=u/Check123ok|date=2026-02-08}}</ref> This feature is opt-in by default and can be used alongside a premium "familiar faces" feature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0|title=No One, Including Our Furry Friends, Will Be Safer in Ring's Surveillance Nightmare|work=EFF|date=2026-02-10|first=Beryl|last=Lipton |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220165255/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/no-one-including-our-furry-friends-will-be-safer-rings-surveillance-nightmare-0 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> On February 18, 2026, emails were leaked showing Siminoff saying how Ring "could have potentially been used to help find Charlie Kirk’s killer" in regards to the community requests feature, in addition to a spokesperson saying "the decision [of sharing] remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|title=Leaked Email Suggests Ring Plans to Expand ‘Search Party’ Surveillance Beyond Dogs|first=Jason|last=Koebler|work=404Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218144321/https://www.404media.co/leaked-email-suggests-ring-plans-to-expand-search-party-surveillance-beyond-dogs/|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>

==Products==

===Cameras===
*Stick Up Cam (1st generation; 2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-review/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam review: Ring's solar-powered security camera fails to outshine rivals|work=CNET|date=2016-12-12|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Battery (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/product/ring-stick-up-cam-battery/|title=Ring Stick Up Cam Battery review: An all around security camera, inside and out|first=Jason|last=Cipriani|date=2019-05-22|work=ZDNet}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Wired (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-wired-2018-preview/|title=Ring's redesigned Stick Up Cams want a spot inside your home|work=CNET|first=Meghan|last=Wollerton|date=2018-10-18}}</ref>
*Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/ring-stick-up-cam-elite-preview/|title=Ring's Stick Up Cam Elite doesn't bother with batteries|work=CNET|date=2018-01-08|first=Megan|last=Wollerton}}</ref>
*Ring Peephole Cam/Door View Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref name="RingHistory">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/a-brief-history-of-the-ring-video-doorbell-and-its-evolution-over-the-last-10-years|title=A brief history of the Ring Video Doorbell and its evolution over the last 10 years|work=AmazonNews|date=2023-05-02|first=Jay|last=Moye|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/ring-indoor-cam|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2019) Review|work=PCMag|date=2019-12-02|first=John|last=Delaney|archive-url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/2xsswpd01u70/4VsoGg22BdTKWBynhnsvg8/49e66f2cee0e00d10c9cf8ad31f3969a/UK_Indoor_Cam.pdf|archive-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam (Wired/Battery/Solar)/Stick Up Cam (3rd generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forums.woot.com/t/ring-stick-up-cam-battery-or-plug-in-3rd-gen-2019-release/1678290|title=Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery or Plug In) 3rd Gen (2019 release)|work=Woot!|date=2024-09-01|author=wootbot|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Indoor Cam (2nd generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-indoor-cam-2nd-gen-review|title=Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen) review: new privacy shield, but fairly unchanged|work=TechRadar|date=2023-07-07|first=Josephine|last=Watson}}</ref>
*Ring Car Cam (1st generation; 2023)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/1/24145445/ring-pan-tilt-indoor-cam-colors-price-release-date|title=Ring’s first integrated pan and tilt camera comes in pink|work=The Verge|date=2024-05-01|first=Jennifer|last=Tuohy}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cepro.com/news/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-powered-by-ring-vision/146895/|title=The New Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is Powered by Ring Vision|date=2025-02-20|first=Robert|last=Archer}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Plus PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="CEPro" />
*Outdoor Cam Pro (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-cameras-get-4k-upgrade-security-cam-network-to-find-lost-dogs|title=Ring Cameras Get 4K Upgrade, Security Cam Network to Find Lost Dogs|date=2025-09-30|work=PCMag|first=James|last=Peckham}}</ref>
*Outdoor Cam Pro PoE (1st generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />
*Indoor Cam Plus (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" />

===Chimes===
*Chime (1st generation; 2014)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chime (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219201828/https://ring.com/support/products/accessories/chime-gen-1?page=1&redirect=true |archive-date=19 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Chime (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/11/21174876/amazon-ring-new-video-doorbell-3-plus-chime-pro-pre-roll|title=Amazon’s Ring announces the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Video Doorbell 3 Plus|work=The Verge|date=2020-03-11|first=Jay|last=Peters}}</ref>
*Chime (3rd generation; 2025)
*Chime Pro (1st generation; 2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Chime Pro (2nd generation; 2025)

===Doorbells===
*Video Doorbell (1st generation; 2014)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Pro/Wired Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2016)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 2 (2017)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Elite (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://electricalconnection.com.au/ring-launches-ring-video-doorbell-elite/|title=Ring launches Ring Video Doorbell Elite|first=Simeon|last=Barut|date=2017-10-27|work=Electrical Connection|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell 3 (2020)<ref name="RingHistory" /><ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell 3 Plus (2020)<ref name="The Verge" />
*Video Doorbell (2nd generation; 2020)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell Wired (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|title=Ring Video Doorbell Wired|access-date=2026-02-19|work=Amazon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211064437/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CKHPP52|archive-date=2025-12-11|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Video Doorbell Pro 2/Wired Doorbell Pro (2nd generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/ring-video-doorbell-pro-2-is-confirmed-and-its-available-to-pre-order-now|title=Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is confirmed, and it’s available to pre-order now|work=TechRadar|date=2021-02-24|first=Carrie-Ann|last=Skinner|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="RingHistory" />
*Video Doorbell 4 (2024)<ref name="RingHistory" />
*Battery Doorbell Plus (1st generation; 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-uk.ring.com/blogs/alwayshome/ring-launches-battery-video-doorbell-plus-our-most-significant-battery-doorbell-update-yet|title=Ring Launches Battery Video Doorbell Plus, Our Most Significant Battery Doorbell Update Yet.|date=2023-03-08|work=Ring UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|title=Ring Battery Doorbell - Video Doorbell Camera|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218220602/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Battery-Doorbell-Head-to-Toe-Video-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0BZWRSRWV|archive-date=2026-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Battery Doorbell Pro (1st generation; 2024)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/ring-battery-video-doorbell-pro-review|title=Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro review: Ring upgrades last year’s Battery Doorbell Plus|work=TechRadar|first=Les|last=Watson|date=2024-03-19}}</ref>

*Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd generation; 2025)
*Wired Doorbell Elite (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring Wired Doorbell Elite - 4K Video Doorbell |url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219181957/https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wired-Doorbell-Elite-Deep-Silver/dp/B0FT74NT34 |archive-date=2026-02-19 |access-date= |work=Amazon}}</ref>

===Floodlights===
*Floodlight Cam (1st Generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Floodlight Cam (1st Gen) |url=https://ring.com/support/products/cameras/floodlight-cam-gen-1?page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=19 Feb 2026 |website=Ring}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Plus (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Floodlight-Cam-Wired-Plus/dp/B08F6GPQQ7/|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus (newest model), Outdoor home or business security with motion-activated 1080p HD video and floodlights, White |work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Wired Pro (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/home/security/ring-brings-radar-to-a-new-spotlight-camera/|title=Ring brings radar to a new floodlight camera |work=CNET|date=2021-04-07|first=David|last=Priest}}</ref>
*Floodlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F67KWWQH|title=Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, Wired (newest model), Home or business security, Retinal 4K with wide-angle video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, and 2000 Lumen Floodlights, White|work=Amazon|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref><ref name="PCMAG" />

===Others===
*Smart Lighting Bridge (1st generation; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2806681/ring-has-discontinued-its-least-expensive-smart-lighting-hub.html|title=Ring has discontinued its least expensive smart lighting hub|date=2025-06-06|work=PCWorld|first=Ben|last=Patterson}}</ref>
*Ring Bridge (2nd generation; TBA)

===Spotlights===
*Spotlight Cam Wired/Solar/Battery/Mount (1st generation; 2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/31/ring-spotlight-cam/|title=Ring Debuts New Spotlight Cam With Wired, Battery, and Solar Models for Home Security|date=2017-07-31|work=MacRumors|first=Eric|last=Slivka}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Plus Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ring-spotlight-cam-gets-a-pro-upgrade-with-3d-motion-radar-birds-eye-view|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Gets a Pro Upgrade With 3D Motion Radar, Bird's Eye View|first=Chloe|last=Albanesius|date=2022-09-28|work=PCMag}}</ref>
*Spotlight Cam Pro Wired/Solar/Battery/Plug-In (1st generation; 2022)<ref name="PCMAG2" />
*Spotlight Cam Pro (2nd generation; 2025)<ref name="PCMAG" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/ring-spotlight-cam-pro-2nd-gen-plug-in-retinal-4k-for-ultra-clear-video-10x-enhanced-zoom-2-led-spotlights-to-illuminate-key-outdoor-areas-black/-/A-94965503|title=Ring Spotlight Cam Pro 2nd Gen Plug-In Retinal 4K for Ultra-Clear Video, 10x Enhanced Zoom, 2 LED Spotlights to Illuminate Key Outdoor Areas - Black|work=Target|date=2025-10-29|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

===Security systems===


*Alarm Base Station (1st generation; 2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smarthomegeeks.co.uk/news/ring-alarm-release-date-in-usa/|title=Ring Alarm release date…in USA|date=2018-06-13|work=Smart Home Geeks UK|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Base Station (2nd generation; 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/hardware/ring-alarm-system-2nd-gen-review/|title=Ring Alarm System 2nd Gen Review|date=2020-11-27|first=Brendan|last=Frye|work=CGM Tech|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>
*Alarm Pro Base Station (1st generation; 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22692073/ring-alarm-pro-amazon-event-release-date-specs-price-features|title=Amazon’s new Ring Alarm Pro combines a security system with an Eero router|work=The Verge|date=2021-09-28|first=Jennifer|last=Pattison|access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Arlo]]
*[[Axis]]
*[[Blink]]
*[[Eufy]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Wyze]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]

User:H0l0

2026-02-22T16:38:01Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations)
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages)
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

User:H0l0

2026-02-22T16:37:24Z

H0l0: more accomplishments

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages)
*[[Roblox]](fixed major citation error, improved/converted other citations and fixed the majority of CS1 notices)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Roblox

2026-02-22T16:36:45Z

H0l0: missed one

Roblox

2026-02-22T16:33:58Z

H0l0: improved/converted citations and fixed the majority of cs1 notices(this took a while)

Roblox

2026-02-22T15:42:31Z

H0l0: hopefully this fixes the conflict🙏

User:H0l0

2026-02-21T03:48:53Z

H0l0:

==Hi! Just another contributor!==
I'm primarily focused on side projects & improving stub articles in case you're wondering.

Pages/Projects I've contributed to so far:
*[[AT&T]](Minor text edit & added links in "See Also")
*[[BetterHelp]](Added consumer impact summary)
*[[Corporate greed]](Created sections "Common Tactics used to increase profits" & "Common responses & action against unfair & greedy corporations
*[[False advertising]](Removed stub categories)
*[[Flock Safety]](fixed 1 or 2 spelling errors)
*[[Spyware]](finished it!)
*[[Ring]](Fixed 1 citation, added links to other pages)
*[[Ofcom]](Removed 2 Invalid links & renamed another)
*[[UK Online Safety Act]](Removed 2 non-existent articles in "See also")
*[[Projects:Archive everything]](Had added quite a bit of statuses)
*[[Projects:Cargo-complete]](Was only able to do a few)

Registered on 22:58, 11 December 2025

Flock Safety

2026-02-21T03:43:25Z

H0l0: fixed 2 spelling errors

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2017
|Industry=Surveillance Technology
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com
|Description=Flock Safety is an American surveillance technology company that develops and operates a mass surveillance system combining automated license plate readers (LPRs), video surveillance cameras, gunshot detection, drones, and data analytics platforms used by thousands of law enforcement agencies and private entities across the United States.
|Logo=Flock Safety Logo (2025).svg}}

'''{{Wplink|Flock Safety}}''' is a technology company that creates and operates an extensive surveillance network using automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and related technologies.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=23 Oct 2025 |title=Highlights from Denver's Flock camera town hall – Mayor didn't show up |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |access-date=30 Oct 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |type=Video}}</ref> Flock was founded in 2017 by Georgia Tech alumni Garrett Langley (CEO), Matt Feury (CTO), and Paige Todd (CPO), beginning as a side project where they built their first surveillance cameras by hand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edmonson |first=Crystal |title=Flock Safety cameras help police amid worker shortage, CEO Garrett Langley says |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/08/22/flock-safety-cameras-police-shortage-langley.html |url-access=subscription |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle |date=22 Aug 2023 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= }}</ref> The company operates on a "surveillance as a service" business model, owning and maintaining camera infrastructure while charging recurring fees to law enforcement agencies, private communities, and businesses for access to its surveillance data and network.<ref name="FlockFunding">{{Cite web |title=Accelerating Innovation: Flock Secures $275 Million to Advance Crime-Solving Technology |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |website=Flock Safety |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/U3mAs |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref>

As of mid-2025, independent reporting and public records indicate the Flock network comprised more than 80,000 AI-enabled cameras nationwide.<ref name="Koebler2025">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Flock's materials state deployments in roughly 5,000 communities, and the company reports the system processes "over 20 billion" vehicle scans per month; these latter two figures are company-provided and should be read as Flock's claims rather than independently verified totals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Leaders Choose Flock Safety: A Proven, Community-Focused Public Safety Solution |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |website=Flock Safety |date=28 May 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/T17u0 |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Real-Time Vehicle Leads, Nationwide |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/nFQGp |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=FlockOS |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/FYMxO |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref>

The company reported surpassing roughly $300 million in annual recurring revenue. In March 2025, it closed a $275 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, which independent reporting estimated valued the company at about $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Krystal |title=US startup Flock Safety raises $275 million to fund manufacturing plant, R&D |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-startup-flock-safety-raises-275-million-fund-manufacturing-plant-rd-2025-03-13/ |website=Reuters |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/JaV0t |archive-date=13 Mar 2025}}</ref> As of 2025, the company has raised a total of $957.5 million in funding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=MacBride |first=Elizabeth |title=Flock Safety: 2025 CNBC Disruptor 50 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |website=CNBC |date=10 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612102045/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |archive-date=12 Jun 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
===Privacy===
Critics, including civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that Flock's mass surveillance network violates privacy rights and represents a form of constant public monitoring that differs fundamentally from traditional, fleeting police observation.<ref name="ACLUStanley">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock's Aggressive Expansions Go Far Beyond Simple Driver Surveillance |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819025249/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref> A lawsuit filed in 2024 challenges the constitutionality of warrant-less searches of ALPR databases; courts have split on the issue in different jurisdictions, and rulings continue to be appealed. For example, a federal complaint in ''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (E.D. Va.) alleges repeated location logging by ALPRs, while appellate activity in related Virginia cases continued into 2025. Readers should consult the cited court documents and reporting for further developments.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Collier |first=Kevin |title=Police cameras tracked one driver 526 times in four months, lawsuit says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |website=NBC News |date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918133508/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Flock Applauds Virginia Court of Appeals Ruling Affirming Constitutionality of LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |website=Flock Safety |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/YgD1P |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref> The system does not offer a public opt-out mechanism.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement |url=https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |website=University of Washington Center for Human Rights
|date=21 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251113234912/https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref> This raised concerns about the potential for misuse, profiling, and long-term monitoring of individuals and their associations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025}}</ref>

Specific privacy violations include:
*Warrant-less tracking and data sharing: Flock's business model enables a nationwide data-sharing network that allows thousands of law enforcement agencies to access location data without warrants or reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.<ref name="ACLUStanley" />

*Expanded audio surveillance: In 2025, Flock announced that its Raven gunshot detection systems would begin listening for "human distress" sounds, such as screaming, expanding beyond gunshot detection to voice monitoring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guariglia |first=Matthew |title=Flock's Gunshot Detection Microphones Will Start Listening for Human Voices
|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029213640/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |archive-date=29 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Undermining state shield laws: Despite state laws protecting healthcare access, out-of-state officers from jurisdictions that criminalize abortion or gender-affirming care can access Flock data on residents of protective states.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maass |first=Dave |title=Flock Safety and Texas Sheriff Claimed License Plate Search Was for a Missing Person. It Was an Abortion Investigation. |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007134746/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Immigration enforcement: Research from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights documented systematic access to Flock data by federal immigration authorities, often in violation of state laws.<ref name=":0" /> This occurred through three methods: "front door" access, where agencies directly shared data with Border Patrol; "back door" access via a default "National Lookup" setting that granted federal access without explicit local authorization; and "side door" searches where local officers ran searches on behalf of ICE.<ref name=":0" />

*Contractual privacy overreach: The ACLU of Massachusetts found that Flock's default service agreement grants the company a "worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free" license to disclose agency data for "investigative purposes," even if a local police department has chosen to restrict data-sharing with other agencies.<ref name="ACLUStanley2">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock Can Share Driver-Surveillance Data Even When Police Departments Opt Out, And Other Flock Developments |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024234020/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===Business model===
Flock Safety operates on a subscription-based "safety-as-a-service" model.<ref name="Sacra">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety revenue, growth rate & funding |url=https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |website=Sacra |url-access=limited |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123150450/https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> The company charges approximately $2,500 per camera annually, plus a one-time installation fee.<ref name="Sacra" /> This subscription includes maintenance, software updates, and data hosting. Forbes reported in 2025 that a single license plate reader camera costs between $3,000 and $3,500, with additional fees for the FlockOS platform.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=AI Startup Flock Thinks It Can Eliminate All Crime In America |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |website=Forbes |date=3 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903144312/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref> This model has proven highly successful, with the company reporting over $300 million in annual recurring revenue as of 2024, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase.<ref name="FlockFunding" />

Flock's AI-enabled cameras capture detailed vehicle "[[Device fingerprint|fingerprints]]" — including make, model, color, bumper stickers, damages, and other distinguishing characteristics — in addition to license plates,<ref name=":4" /> with footage retained for thirty days before deletion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Flock Safety Eliminates Neighborhood Crime While Protecting Resident Privacy |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |website=Flock Safety |date=11 Mar 2019 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/sdFtN |archive-date=3 Dec 2025}}</ref> The company's network benefits from strong network effects. Investor Andreessen Horowitz has stated the system's power grows with adoption, as "digital evidence can be pooled across different law enforcement agencies," creating network effects that increase surveillance capabilities as more agencies join.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulevitch
|first=David |last2=George |first2=David |title=Investing in Flock Safety |url=https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |website=Andreessen Horowitz |date=13 Jul 2021 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928171419/https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |archive-date=28 Sep 2023}}</ref> As cameras are deployed across more jurisdictions, participating agencies gain access to a broader shared data pool.

Flock initially focused on homeowner's associations — which still account for roughly 40% of its business — before expanding rapidly into law enforcement and enterprise sectors, illustrating a "land-and-expand" growth strategy.<ref name="Sacra" /> Major venture capital firms have invested heavily, signaling strong market confidence. In March 2025, a funding round of $275 million was led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Green Oaks Capital, Bedrock Capital, and Tiger Global, among others, valuing the company at $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pavri |first=Rezwan D. |last2=Conklin |first2=Colin G. |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises Flock Safety on $275 Million Financing |url=https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |website=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=14 Mar 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315234904/https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |archive-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> Major corporate clients include retailers like {{Wplink|Lowe's}} and {{Wplink|FedEx}}, mall operator {{Wplink|Simon Property Group}}, and healthcare provider {{Wplink|Kaiser Permanente}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=America's Biggest Mall Owner Is Sharing AI Surveillance Feeds Directly With Cops |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |website=Forbes |date=6 May 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/LAJfd |archive-date=6 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |website=Forbes |date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/yNFIM |archive-date=19 Jun 2024}}</ref>

Strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investment fuel the company's expansion. Following its acquisition of Aerodome in October 2024, Flock Safety is building a 100,000-square-foot U.S.A. manufacturing facility for drone production.<ref name=":1" />

==Surveillance technology==
{{Main|Flock license plate readers}}

Flock Safety offers an integrated ecosystem of surveillance hardware and software marketed as a public safety platform.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Product Hub |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/i2PuO |archive-date=7 Jan 2026}}</ref> The hardware component includes solar-powered ALPRs;<ref name=":2" /> video cameras with AI-powered analytics for people and vehicle detection;<ref name=":2" /> acoustic sensors that identify gunshots and breaking glass for real-time alerts;<ref name=":2" /> and drones acquired through Aerodome for "drone as first responder" systems automatically dispatched to emergency calls.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Expands Into Drones |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |website=Flock Safety |date=17 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/N0naM |archive-date=28 Sep 2025}}</ref>

Specific product models include the Falcon and Sparrow license plate readers, as well as the Raven gunshot detection system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katz-Lecabe |first=Mike |title=Dissection of Flock Safety Camera |url=https://www.chrp.org/blog/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera |website=The Center for Human Rights and Privacy |date=1 Apr 2022 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430151222/https://www.cehrp.org/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera/ |archive-date=30 Apr 2022}}</ref> Flock's software integrates with police vehicle systems, including widely-used {{Wplink|Axon Enterprise|Axon}} dashcams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Axon Partners with Flock Safety to Enhance Security for Cities and Neighborhoods |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |website=PR Newswire |date=2 Apr 2020 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404123408/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |archive-date=4 Apr 2020}}</ref>

The software platform includes FlockOS, a real-time crime center platform that enables users to view maps and geographic data, body camera and drone feeds, 911 call data, as well as traffic camera and acoustic sensor data.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Evolution of FlockOS: How Customer Feedback Continues to Shape the Future |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future |website=Flock Safety |date=5 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/JsVGZ
|archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> FlockOS enables the National LPR Network, a nationwide database for sharing and searching LPR data across jurisdictions; and Flock Nova, a data analytics platform that integrates LPR data with law enforcement systems, such as Records Management Systems (RMS) and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), to identify patterns.<ref name=":2" />

==Incidents==
===The FBI is accused in pending lawsut to use Flock data to "create a domestic terrorist" (February 2026)===
in a recent reporting by LegalEagle on Youtube https://youtu.be/ZRZoGc3Wdpo?t=1138 at timestamp 18:58 Court documents are shown where Law enforcement collects 30 days of movements from Flock cameras (after the fact) in efforts to "construct the appearance the person is a domestic terrorist", the release of this footage was denied to ensure people not know where the cameras are in order to avoid them. this was in part of the ICE operation "Midway Blitz"
===Wrongful package theft accusation in Bow Mar, Colorado (September 2025)===
On 27 September 2025, Columbine Valley Police Sgt. Jamie Milliman wrongfully accused Denver resident Chrisanna Elser of package theft, relying exclusively on Flock Safety license plate reader data that placed her vehicle in Bow Mar during the robbery.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Kenney |first=Andrew |title=Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence |url=https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |website=Denverite |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028180112/https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |archive-date=28 Oct 2025}}</ref> The officer asserted "zero doubt" about her guilt, telling her verbatim, "It is locked in. There is zero doubt. I wouldn't have come here unless I was 100% sure." He also bragged about the extensive surveillance network, stating "You can't get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing."<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Prentzel |first=Olivia |title=After police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of theft, she had to prove her own innocence |url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |website=The Colorado Sun |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112221400/https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref> When Elser denied the accusation, Milliman refused to show her the supposed evidence, stating, "You have not been honest with me, so I'm not going to extend you any courtesy of showing you a video when I don't need to."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coon |first=Anna |title=Police use Flock cameras to wrongfully accuse Denver woman of theft |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |website=KDVR |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251103031304/https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref> Elser was compelled to compile extensive exculpatory evidence, including dashcam footage, Google Timeline data, witness statements, and surveillance images from her tailor. She ultimately submitted a seven-page affidavit and a voluminous Google Drive folder to prove her innocence.<ref name=":5" /> The summons was voided several weeks later after Police Chief Bret Cottrell reviewed her evidence, writing, "After reviewing the evidence you have provided (nicely done btw), we have voided the summons that was issued." However, the department provided neither an apology nor an explanation.<ref name=":6" />

===Denver contract and surveillance controversy (October 2025 ongoing)===
On 22 October 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unilaterally renewed the city's contract with Flock Safety through an emergency executive order just hours before a town hall protest, after the Denver City Council had unanimously rejected the contract 12-0.<ref name="cbsdenver">{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Chierstin |title=Some on the Denver City Council upset after Mayor Mike Johnston moves forward with controversial Flock cameras |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |website=CBS News Colorado |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030171650/https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |archive-date=30 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref name="coloradopolitics">{{Cite web |last=Grigsby |first=Deborah |title=Anger grows as Denver mayor extends Flock camera contract |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |website=Colorado Politics |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024231906/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> The council's rejection was due to a lack of guardrails around data access and privacy concerns.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> The mayor's move, described by Councilwoman Shontel Lewis as "'king' behavior," bypassed the democratic process and sparked immediate public backlash.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> A town hall protest organized by consumer advocate Louis Rossmann drew close to 700 attendees, filling a main conference room and overflow spaces.<ref name="coloradopolitics" /><ref name=":7" /> Rossmann had also published a guide for residents to oppose the cameras.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=A guide to de‑flocking Denver: here's EXACTLY what you need to do, step‑by‑step. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=20 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |type=Video}}</ref> The new, no-cost five-month extension included new safeguards, such as a $100,000 fine on Flock for any unauthorized data sharing and cutting off access for all jurisdictions outside of the Denver Police Department.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" /> The mayor's office cited the technology's role in recovering stolen vehicles and solving homicides, while critics remained concerned about executive overreach and the system's potential for misuse.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" />

===Data sharing with federal immigration authorities (Ongoing)===
Federal immigration enforcement agencies systematically accessed Flock's license plate data through multiple methods despite state laws prohibiting such sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler
|first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |website=404 Media |date=27 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527141200/https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |archive-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> This included direct "front door" access where at least eight Washington law enforcement agencies enabled 1:1 data sharing with the U.S. Border Patrol,<ref name=":0" /> "back door" access where Border Patrol searched data from at least ten Washington police departments without explicit authorization,<ref name=":0" /> and "side door" searches where local officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" into search fields.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media
|date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Internal Flock data revealed that CBP had access to more than 80,000 cameras nationwide, with searches conducted in multiple states, potentially violating state sanctuary laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John |title=License plate camera company halts cooperation with federal agencies among investigation concerns |url=https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |website=ABC7 |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827010855/https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |archive-date=27 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Investigation of abortion seeker (May 2025)===
A Johnson County, Texas sheriff's officer conducted a nationwide surveillance operation using Flock Safety's network to track a woman who had a self-managed abortion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=A Texas Cop Searched License Plate Cameras Nationwide for a Woman Who Got an Abortion |url=https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |website=404 Media |date=29 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529181049/https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |archive-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The search spanned 6,809 different Flock networks and queried data from over 83,000 cameras across multiple states.<ref name=":0" /> The officer specifically searched Flock camera data from Yakima and Prosser, Washington, accessing surveillance data from jurisdictions where abortion is legally protected to investigate someone from a restrictive state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=Police Said They Surveilled Woman Who Had an Abortion for Her 'Safety.' Court Records Show They Considered Charging Her With a Crime |url=https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |website=404 Media |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007135454/https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref> While police initially claimed the surveillance was for the woman's "safety," internal documents revealed the case was officially logged as a "death investigation" and detectives had consulted the district attorney about charging the woman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Gideon |title=Flock Gives Law Enforcement All Over the Country Access to Your Location |url=https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |website=ACLU Massachusetts |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018052911/https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> The incident sparked a congressional investigation and led to multiple jurisdictions re-evaluating their Flock contracts over concerns about reproductive rights surveillance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=I'm Hearing About More Pushback Against Flock, Fueled by Concern Over Anti-Immigrant Uses |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |website=ACLU |date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821161654/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Paused federal pilots and systemic data sharing with federal agencies (August 2025)===
Flock Safety announced it was pausing all ongoing pilot programs with Department of Homeland Security agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Langley |first=Garrett |title=Ensuring Local Compliance |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |website=Flock Safety |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/xezPL |archive-date=26 Aug 2025}}</ref> The company stated this pause was to "ensure local compliance" and admitted its previous public statements had "inadvertently provided inaccurate information" about the level of federal access to its network.<ref name=":3" />

This decision followed investigations revealing systemic data sharing with federal immigration authorities that potentially violated state laws in Washington, Illinois, and other states with sanctuary protections.<ref name=":0" /> A University of Washington Center for Human Rights report documented three methods of federal access:

*Front door access: At least eight Washington law enforcement agencies, including police departments in Yakima and Wenatchee, enabled direct data sharing with U.S. Border Patrol.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Jordan |title=Flock Safety setting allowed U.S. Border Patrol access to Wenatchee Valley license plate data without police knowledge |url=https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |website=The Wenatchee World |date=27 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/54ii5 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref>

*Back door access: A default "National Lookup" setting allowed Border Patrol to access data from at least ten Washington agencies without explicit authorization. Police chiefs in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee stated they were unaware of this setting and disabled it upon discovery.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee" />

*Side door searches: Law enforcement officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" or "illegal immigration" into search fields.<ref name=":0" /> A public interest law firm noted Flock's pause of direct federal access does little to prevent this workaround, as "federal law enforcement cannot directly access this trove of information; they can just ask other Flock customers to run searches or share log-in information."<ref name="ij">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |title=Public Interest Law Firm Responds to Flock Safety Pausing Federal Access to License Plate Reader Cameras |url=https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |website=Institute for Justice |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925231824/https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Consumer complaints about business practices===
Multiple independent user reviews on {{Wplink|Trustpilot}}, as well as reports from legal advocacy groups, detail a range of consumer complaints against Flock Safety. These issues span predatory billing practices, unreliable hardware, inadequate customer support, and concerns over the value and ethics of the service.

*Predatory billing and contract issues: Customers report aggressive auto-renewal practices. One review alleges the company sent termination notices to the incorrect party and then enforced an auto-renewed two-year contract for nearly $10,000, demanding payment because the customer did not provide a thirty-day termination notice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiala |first=Steven |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steven Fiala on 1/8/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |website=Trustpilot |date=8 Jan 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108013844/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer claimed the company would not offer a refund for cameras they found to be useless, describing the system as a "rip off."<ref name="TrustPilot RR">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Ruben |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Ruben Rodriguez on 10/13/2023 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |website=Trustpilot |date=13 Oct 2023 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108014407/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> The Institute for Justice has raised concerns that Flock tries to "lock customers into its products."<ref name="ij" />

*Poor camera reliability and performance: Reviews frequently cite hardware failures and poor video quality. One neighborhood reported that a camera, costing $4,000 per year, was operational for only nine days before failing and had been offline for 25% of its total service time.<ref name="TrustPilot SE">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Steve |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steve Elliott on 6/20/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |website=Trustpilot |date=20 Jun 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108020837/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer complained that the cameras are "not live" and lack night vision, concluding that a "$300 video camera system from Harbor Freight is 100% better."<ref name="TrustPilot RR" />

*Inadequate customer support: Numerous complaints have been made about poor customer service, particularly among smaller communities and organizations. One reviewer felt that the company is "focused on big city/county government contracts" and that "little guys are at the back of the line for support."<ref name="TrustPilot SE" /> The company's profile on TrustPilot indicates that it has not replied to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Reviews |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |website=TrustPilot |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108022250/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |quote=Hasn’t replied to negative reviews}}</ref>

*Ethical and legal concerns: Some criticisms extend beyond business practices to the product's societal impact. Major civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have published analyses raising significant privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley" /> The ACLU has also published analyses raising considerable privacy concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley2" />

==Lawsuits==
===''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (18 September 2025)===
A lawsuit in Norfolk, VA, revealed that the city's ALPR system has logged the location of a plaintiff's vehicle 526 times in 4 months.<ref name=":9" /> The second plaintiff had their vehicle's position logged 849 times in a similar time period. The ALPR system is provided by Flock to the Norfolk Police Department in a deal costing $2.2 million, in return for Flock providing services through to the end of 2027. The camera installation began in 2023 and, at present, there are 176 cameras around the city. The lawsuit is requesting that the plaintiff's data be deleted and the cameras be turned off, arguing that these actions constitute an infringement of the Fourth Amendment and a warrant-less search. Flock counters this assertion by claiming that "LPRs do not constitute a warrant-less search because they take point-in-time photos of cars in public and cannot continuously track the movements of any individual." This legal position was supported by a ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals in October 2025, which reversed a lower court and found that warrant-less use of Flock's system does not violate the Fourth Amendment.<ref name=":10" />

===''United States v. Martin'' (11 October 2024)===
In ''United States v. Martin'' (E.D. Va.), the district court denied a motion to suppress evidence obtained via an ALPR network, issuing a memorandum opinion on 11 October 2024. The court concluded that the images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles on public roads and therefore did not establish a reasonable expectation of privacy for purposes of the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Robert E. |title=MEMORANDUM OPINION, United States v. Martin, No. 3:23-cr-150 (E.D. Va. Oct. 11, 2024) |url=https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |url-access=limited |website=vLex |date=11 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108024629/https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> 

Legal commentators have treated the ruling as a persuasive decision supporting warrant-less searches of ALPR/Flock databases in that jurisdiction; however, it remains a district-court decision and not binding precedent outside the Eastern District of Virginia. Courts in other jurisdictions have reached different conclusions on the warrant requirements for ALPR searches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grosdidier |first=Pierre |title=Authorities can search Flock databases without a warrant |url=https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |website=Texas Bar Journal |date=Apr 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418012511/https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |archive-date=18 Apr 2025}}</ref>

===Public records lawsuits in Washington (2025)===
Multiple public-records disputes over Flock camera data have led to litigation in Washington. In one high-profile example, the cities of Sedro-Woolley and Stanwood filed a declaratory-judgment action in Skagit County (Case No. 25-2-00717-29), asking a court to declare that images and data stored in Flock's AWS cloud are not "public records" under the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) unless and until a public agency accesses and downloads them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guildner |first=Emily |title=City of Sedro-Woolley and City of Stanwood v. Jose Rodriguez — Complaint for Declaratory Judgment |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |website=Scribd |date=16 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/xXUP5 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> The dispute became contested in multiple forums after the requester filed his own suit and responsive filings, alleging that the cities had violated the PRA. While the litigation proceeds, some municipalities have paused or disabled Flock camera deployments pending a judicial ruling on whether the raw images and data must be released as public records.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |title=Stanwood pauses Flock cameras amid public records lawsuits |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |website=HeraldNet |date=10 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911213648/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Norfolk Circuit Court warrant requirement (2024-2025)===
In June 2024, a Norfolk Circuit Court judge granted a defendant's motion to suppress evidence obtained from the city's Flock ALPR system, ruling that, in that case, warrant-less access to the system implicated the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Katie |title=Norfolk judge rejects police Flock camera evidence without warrant |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |website=The Virginian-Pilot |date=15 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702005515/https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |archive-date=2 Jul 2024}}</ref>

That trial-court ruling was later reversed by the Virginia Court of Appeals in ''Commonwealth v. Church'' in Oct 2025, which concluded the circuit court erred and held that the ALPR images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles in public and therefore did not require a search warrant; the appellate court reversed the suppression and remanded for further proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beales |first=Randolph A. |title=Commonwealth v. Ronnie D. Church, No. 0737-25-1 (Va. Ct. App. Oct. 2025) (unpublished opinion) |url=https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |website=Virginia Court System |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028232244/https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |archive-date=28 Oct 2025 |format=PDF}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock: ALPR Location Map]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRs: Advocacy Group]
*[https://www.eff.org/issues/license-plate-readers EFF: License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/aclu-works-stop-license-plate-reader-surveillance ACLU: License Plate Reader Surveillance]
*[https://www.wired.com/tag/automated-license-plate-readers/ Wired: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.vice.com/en/topic/automated-license-plate-readers Vice: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.technologyreview.com/tag/surveillance/ MIT Technology Review: Surveillance]
*[https://www.flock-restrictions.org/ Flock Restrictions: Policy Tracking]
*[https://www.urban.org/features/how-police-use-technology Urban Institute: Police Technology Use]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]