Ring Makes TAKE Encryption Default, Deletes Cloud Keys Within 24 Hours
Ring will make TAKE encryption the worldwide default from September, deleting temporary cloud keys within 24 hours while preserving smart camera features.
Summary
Amazon’s smart home division Ring announced on August 26, 2026, that TAKE, short for Throw Away the Key Encryption, will become its worldwide default for video encryption and user control, with a gradual rollout beginning in September. TAKE temporarily stores rotating encryption keys in the cloud, accessible only to Ring for activated services, then deletes them within 24 hours after each request. This temporary decryption supports Smart Alerts for people, vehicles and packages, plus video search, descriptions and trusted-user sharing, features that end-to-end encryption can restrict. Ring says only users retain their video keys afterward.
TAKE builds on Messaging Layer Security, an open standard developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force. Users replacing a lost device can authenticate near their Ring cameras to recover encryption keys, while passphrases, cloud backups, approved devices or passkeys can restore accounts. End-to-end encryption remains a manual option. The change follows criticism of Ring’s Familiar Faces facial recognition feature and a June class action accusing Amazon of storing passersby images without consent.
Positives
- TAKE deletes Ring’s temporary cloud encryption keys within 24 hours after each completed request.
- Smart Alerts can continue identifying people, vehicles and packages while videos remain encrypted outside requested processing.
- Messaging Layer Security gives TAKE a foundation in an open Internet Engineering Task Force standard.
- Passphrases, cloud backups, approved devices, passkeys and proximity to Ring cameras provide several recovery options.
- End-to-end encryption remains available for users who prefer it over TAKE.
Risks & concerns
- TAKE temporarily decrypts user videos and gives Ring access to cloud-stored keys for activated features.
- Worldwide default enrollment means users seeking end-to-end encryption must select it manually.
- Familiar Faces uses facial recognition to identify visitors, intensifying privacy concerns around Ring cameras.
- A June class action accused Amazon of storing images of passersby without their consent.