I just bought a new house and got a Ring security system, controversies notwithstanding. Having said that, once I got everything in place, it became clear I was very uncomfortable with the indoor cameras I installed.
By default, the cameras are activated by motion and they upload 30 secs clip into the cloud. Eventually I figured out that I could turn off motion detection and have them activate only when the house alarm went off, but even then, I could not keep my mind at ease. Who was to say the cameras were not recording? Why would I want a possible spy inside the house, 24/7? However, at the same time, I wanted the convenience of having the cameras in place for whenever I left the house which brings me to the next point: there is no way to turn the camera off with a switch. As long as the battery is in, it is potentially on, end of story. Getting the battery out is the only way to turn it off. It certainly feels like they are incentivizing you to keep the camera powered all the time.
Ultimately, I decided to keep the battery lid unscrewed so I can take the batteries in and out with ease and make sure I’m not being unwittingly recorded when I’m home. When I know I’ll be out for an extended period of time, I put the batteries in and put the cameras in place. Without the screws, it is a very quick and straightforward thing to do. The batteries also snap in place, so if you wanted to, you can keep the lid off and make taking the batteries in and out even easier.
So far, I’m comfortable with this compromise. I’m 100% sure I’m not being recorded when I’m home. At the same time, it gives me the peace of mind of being able to setup the cameras easily before going away so that I can check in on the house anytime, or that if someone gets in, all cameras will turn on and upload evidence to the cloud automatically.
I feel good with this compromise, but the clear incentives to have the cameras on or on standby all the time sure are disconcerting.