Ring's AI: From Lost Dogs to Zero Crime?

Ring founder Jamie Siminoff recently articulated an ambitious future for the company's AI-powered Search Party feature, suggesting it could pave the way to "zero out crime in neighborhoods." This vision, revealed in a leaked internal email from October 2025, goes beyond the feature's initial purpose of locating lost pets.

The AI capability, which allows users to search footage from Ring's network of cameras, has drawn criticism. Concerns intensified following a Super Bowl commercial showcasing its use for finding lost dogs, sparking fears of broader surveillance applications. Ring has stated that Search Party is not currently designed to search for people, and footage sharing remains voluntary for camera owners, except for legal requests.

Ring already offers AI search tools for camera owners to review their own footage for various items, including people and vehicles. The Search Party feature, however, can be initiated by any user through the Ring Neighbors app and is enabled by default for Ring subscribers. The company's recent additions, including facial recognition and its Community Requests program for law enforcement collaboration, have fueled worries about a potential surveillance network.

Siminoff has consistently advocated for Ring cameras' role in crime prevention, previously stating that AI could provide crucial context and alerts to help reduce crime. A Ring spokesperson emphasized the company's focus on providing owners with information about neighborhood events, such as lost pets or fires, allowing them to decide how to assist, with sharing decisions always resting with the customer.