It is tempting to make our lives easier by opting into IoT (Internet of Things) and replacing the old everyday objects with multi-purpose smart devices. However, new solutions can introduce new concerns and vulnerabilities. How the information generated by a device gets treated once it's uploaded to the cloud is one area to probe into, which is what Amazon's video doorbell Ring gets questioned about.

Ring is a doorbell with a built-in motion-detecting HD camera and speaker that let the user speak to the visitor conveniently and always keep an eye on what's happening at their doorstep. The aim is to bring convenience and security.

However, there's issue regarding consent – one person can be unaware he/she is being recorded by the doorbell, and the owner may share footage without the recorded person's consent.

Concerns also arise when the system is connected to the cloud and the footages get uploaded. On the one hand, there's a possibility that the system gets hacked and the data gets leaked. On the other hand, the consumers don't have much control over what Amazon does with their data.

One move that received backlash was Amazon collaborating with Law Enforcement in some cities. Police may request access to the footage captured by Ring, and some worry that it might be used inappropriately, such as targeting protestors. Police may also encourage the adoption of the product in communities in exchange for credits for buying cameras it can distribute to residents. That made people question the police's credibility.

Next, we are going to evaluate what the stakeholders in the case gain and lose, and the potential positive and negative societal implications.

Read more: Mozilla - *privacy not included

Positive impact:

• Some consumers recognize the convenience the security benefits of the product, and Amazon profits from the sales of the product.

• With the potential ability of reducing crimes in the community, Amazon can establish a reputation for doing social good.

• As a result, the police department in some cities partner up with Amazon and advocate for this doorbell. Amazon can further profit from it and maybe gain political power.

Negative impact:

• The suspicion that the users’ data might get mishandled, the risk of the system getting hacked and all the negative consequences undermine Amazon’s reputation.

Positive impact:

• The users can benefit from the product’s features: they can answer the door more conveniently and get a better sense of security.

• When a crime actually happened, the footage can be used as evidence to show to the police and insurance company.

Negative impact:

• The users aren’t necessarily aware that what data is being tracked and who it is being used by when they start using the product and its associated service.

• Since the doorbell’s system is connected to the cloud, there’s a possibility that the data gets mishandled or the system gets hacked.

• Also, the doorbell can capture footage of other people without getting their consent. This can result in mistrust among friends, family and neighbours.

Positive impact:

• The footage captured by the product can be used to identify crimes and track criminals.

Negative impact

• The public’s trust in the police get lower for partnering with Amazon and advocating for their product.