Deconstructing/Performing the Amazon Ring Security Apparatus
Organization
York University
Published
2023
Project Leader(s)
Evan Light
Summary
The research team focuses on the Amazon Ring doorbell, an Internet-of-Things device with a built-in surveillance camera. While Amazon has, in the past, declared they do not engage in facial recognition, recent patent filings – for such biometric innovations as facial recognition and skin texture recognition – show other possible developments. Interrogating the Amazon Ring surveillance apparatus, the project consists of three components. Enter the Ring: Facing Amazon’s Ring of Surveillance is an immersive art installation where gallery-goers are given the opportunity to experience their face being mapped out in real-time via a Facial Recognition Visualizer. In this exhibit, we also provide an analysis comparing Amazon Ring advertising and their Terms of Service. The research team further developed reports examining Amazon Ring’s data-sharing habits with third parties and policy gaps related to the potential future integration of biometric technologies into Amazon Ring doorbells and other such devices either by manufacturers and service providers or by users themselves.
Project deliverables are available in the following language(s)
English
OPC Funded Project
This project received funding support through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s Contributions Program. The opinions expressed in the summary and report(s) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Summaries have been provided by the project authors. Please note that the projects appear in their language of origin.
Contact Information
Evan Light
Assistant Professor
Communications Program at Glendon College, York University
Phone: 647-954-1436
Office: York Hall 138
E-mail: Evan Light
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