Amazon’s Ring has unveiled a new encryption standard named TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), which will become the default for securing video and user data in its cloud services. This approach allows Ring to maintain user privacy while supporting advanced cloud-based features like video search, descriptions, and shared user access. Unlike traditional end-to-end encryption, which can restrict such capabilities, TAKE uses a rotating set of encryption keys stored temporarily in the cloud, accessible only by Ring to support active features and deleted within 24 hours after use.

The TAKE system is built on Messaging Layer Security (MLS), a recognized open messaging protocol developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force. Its design enables users to recover their encryption keys if they lose access to their devices by authenticating near their Ring cameras or through other methods like passphrases, cloud backups, or approved devices. Ring clarified that while TAKE will be the default worldwide starting September, users can still choose to manually enable end-to-end encryption for their data if they prefer.

TAKE also facilitates intelligent notifications like Smart Alerts, which can detect and notify users about people, vehicles, or packages within their camera’s view. Ring highlighted this balance between functionality and privacy in a blog post, emphasizing that while these keys enable important features, they are promptly discarded to safeguard user data. This new encryption strategy is part of Ring’s ongoing effort to improve security while keeping the convenience and intelligence of its smart home products intact.

This announcement comes amid scrutiny of Ring’s privacy practices, particularly surrounding its “Familiar Faces” facial recognition feature. Earlier this year, Amazon faced a class action lawsuit concerning unauthorized image storage related to this feature. With TAKE, Ring aims to address privacy concerns while continuing to enhance its cloud service offerings and ensure users have robust control over their data security.