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Amazon’s Ring LLC has faced government enforcement actions and class litigation in recent years that have affected millions of people who rely on Ring doorbells and home cameras. The most significant issues include a Federal Trade Commission enforcement action that led to consumer refunds and a California class action case concerning the Ring Protect Plan subscription disclosures. If you live in California or own Ring devices anywhere in the United States, these developments may affect your rights.
What Happened
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement and Refunds
The Federal Trade Commission charged Ring with failing to protect user video footage by allowing broad employee and contractor access and using insufficient security controls that enabled account takeovers. As part of the resolution, the Federal Trade Commission administered refunds for affected customers totaling more than five point six million dollars.
California Class Action Over Protect Plan Disclosures
A separate California class action, Jack v. Ring LLC, alleged that Ring sold certain devices without adequately disclosing that essential features, such as video recording and playback, required a Ring Protect Plan subscription. The proposed settlement offered small per device payments to qualifying California purchasers and required claims to be filed by May 22, 2025.
Additional Policy Changes
Ring has also changed certain policies regarding law enforcement requests and future product features. These changes have drawn attention from privacy advocates and remain part of the broader conversation surrounding Ring’s overall data practices.
Who Is Affected
California Residents
California residents who purchased specific Ring models in brick and mortar stores during the class period defined in the settlement may have qualified for the Protect Plan settlement. Eligibility depends on both the device model and the purchase date range.
Residents Outside California
The Federal Trade Commission enforcement action applied nationwide. Refunds were distributed to affected users across the United States, even if they were not part of the California settlement.
Consumers Who May Not Be Covered
Certain consumers may fall outside the defined class depending on their device model, purchase location, or circumstances surrounding unauthorized access. Eligibility can only be determined by reviewing the official settlement notice or Federal Trade Commission refund materials.
What This Means For Consumers
- Review official notices and refund pages. If you received guidance about a settlement or refund, follow the instructions provided in those official communications. Settlement administrators and the Federal Trade Commission offer the most accurate eligibility information.
- Small cash payments for qualifying California purchasers. The California Protect Plan settlement provided modest payments, generally between three and nine dollars depending on the number of qualifying devices.
- Federal Trade Commission remedies focused on improved security. The enforcement action required Ring to adopt enhanced privacy and security measures to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Stay informed about policy changes. Ring’s evolving data practices and product features may affect consumer privacy. Reviewing updates periodically can help consumers make informed decisions.
- Use strong security practices. Regardless of litigation outcomes, maintaining strong passwords, enabling two factor authentication, and keeping firmware and apps updated remain important steps to protect any smart home device.
Recommended Next Steps
- California device purchasers: Review the official settlement documentation to confirm eligibility and filing requirements. Those who missed the deadline may need to consult an attorney for further guidance.
- Individuals affected by unauthorized access: Collect documentation, such as emails or account notifications, and consider contacting relevant agencies or legal counsel.
- Non California residents: Review Ring account notifications and current privacy practices to understand how Federal Trade Commission enforcement may affect you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. As part of the Federal Trade Commission enforcement action, refunds totaling more than five point six million dollars were distributed to affected customers.
Eligibility was limited to purchasers of specific Ring models in California brick-and-mortar stores during defined time periods. The settlement notice lists the exact criteria.
Public reporting and advocacy groups continue to monitor Ring’s data and law enforcement policies. Consumers should remain aware of future updates.
Once deadlines pass, late claims are generally not accepted. Speaking with a class action attorney may help clarify any remaining options.
