Amazon's smart doorbell company, Ring, has called off a planned partnership with Flock Safety. This move comes after a recent Super Bowl advertisement for a Ring feature, called "Search Party," drew criticism. Critics raised concerns that these collaborations, and features like Search Party, could lead to increased surveillance and infringe on user privacy. While both Ring and Flock stated the integration never launched, the public outcry prompted Ring to terminate the deal.
Partnership Background and Public Reaction
Ring and Flock Safety had announced plans in October 2025 to work together. The intended collaboration would have allowed Ring camera owners to opt-in to sharing their video footage with law enforcement agencies that use Flock's software. This would facilitate evidence collection and investigations.
However, a Super Bowl advertisement for Ring's "Search Party" feature, which uses artificial intelligence to help find lost dogs by scanning neighborhood camera footage, sparked significant public concern. While Ring presented the feature as a helpful tool for pet owners, critics viewed it as a step towards a more pervasive surveillance system. This advertisement amplified existing worries about Ring's privacy practices and its relationships with law enforcement.
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Key Events and Statements
October 2025: Ring and Flock Safety announce plans for a partnership.
Super Bowl Sunday (February 2026): Ring airs a commercial for its "Search Party" feature.
Following the Super Bowl: Backlash erupts over privacy and surveillance concerns related to the ad and the planned Flock partnership.
Thursday (February 13, 2026): Ring announces the termination of its partnership with Flock Safety.
Ring stated that the integration with Flock never went live, meaning no Ring videos were shared with Flock. Both companies described the decision to cancel the planned integration as mutual, allowing them to "best serve their respective customers." Flock also emphasized its dedication to supporting law enforcement within legal and policy frameworks and noted that federal agencies like ICE cannot directly access its systems or data.
Search Party vs. Flock Integration
It is important to note that Ring's "Search Party" feature and the planned integration with Flock Safety were distinct initiatives.
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| Feature/Partnership | Purpose | Connection to Flock Safety | Public Perception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search Party | Helps find lost dogs using AI to scan opt-in Ring camera footage. | None | Viewed by some as helpful, by others as surveillance. |
| Flock Partnership | Planned option for Ring owners to share video with law enforcement. | Direct | Raised concerns about expanded police access to data. |
Ring maintains that its systems are designed to protect user privacy, noting that video data is not stored without an active subscription.
Broader Surveillance Context
Ring, as an Amazon-owned company, has faced other scrutiny regarding its Ring doorbell cameras and their potential for surveillance. The company has existing partnerships with law enforcement agencies. Flock Safety itself is a significant operator of automated license plate reader systems and has contracts with over 5,000 U.S. cities. The public pressure on Ring to re-examine its work with law enforcement, including federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been growing. Both Ring and Flock have publicly stated they do not have a relationship with ICE.
Expert Analysis
Privacy advocates have consistently urged companies like Ring to carefully consider the implications of their partnerships and features on public surveillance. The incident highlights the delicate balance between leveraging technology for public safety and protecting individual privacy rights in an increasingly connected world.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Ring's decision to end its partnership with Flock Safety signifies a response to significant public concern, primarily ignited by its Super Bowl advertisement. While the integration with Flock never launched, the backlash underscores a broader societal apprehension regarding the expansion of surveillance technologies and data sharing between private companies and law enforcement. Both Ring and Flock maintain that no customer data was exchanged in this instance. Moving forward, Ring's actions will likely be closely watched by privacy advocates and the public as it navigates its role in home security and its collaborations with public safety agencies.
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Sources Used:
CNN Business: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/13/tech/amazon-ring-flock-partnership-ice
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-flock-partnership-ending-superbowl-ad-backlash/
Associated Press (AP News): https://apnews.com/article/amazon-flock-super-bowl-surveillance-privacy-32b7d32a06d369bffe3ffdcdd31962a1
The Hindu BusinessLine: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/amazons-ring-ends-flock-safety-partnership-amid-privacy-concerns/article70631220.ece
CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/12/amazons-ring-cancels-flock-partnership-amid-super-bowl-ad-backlash.html
GeekWire: https://www.geekwire.com/2026/ring-cancels-flock-partnership-amid-broader-surveillance-concerns/
San.com: https://san.com/cc/amazon-cancels-ring-flock-deal-amid-privacy-backlash/
Variety: https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/amazon-ring-cancels-flock-partnership-super-bowl-ad-backlash-dog-finder-1236662108/
