In a surprise trend of the year, a growing number of communities are using apps like Ring Neighbors and Nextdoor to discuss and track ICE immigration raids. These security apps and associated security cams and video doorbells weren't exactly intended to follow federal agents, but it's proven to be a popular effort in areas like California.
While law enforcement retains the ability to request home security videos with a warrant, they aren't used to being on the receiving end of this technology. Security companies have had to make some clear choices on what to allow, what to ban and what requests to honor. Meanwhile, users are worried not only for their neighborhoods but for their own privacy and freedom to share important information.
I discussed these topics with Ring and Nextdoor to find out what they allow and their advice to users who want to post about ICE or police. The news is mostly encouraging -- here's what I learned.
Rules about reporting law enforcement activity on apps like Ring Neighbors
Posts that name streets and other nearby locations are less likely to be removed. Tyler Lacoma/CNET
When I reached out to Ring about its Neighbors app policies regarding recent events and police raids (as well as Reddit reports about posts being taken down), the company provided helpful information about its specific policies.
I found out the reasons why Ring tends to remove certain posts or stop them from going live on Neighbors. For one thing, posts about a general law enforcement presence can get nixed. So if someone said ICE was spotted in "Bell Gardens," their post would be denied because that's just too vague. Or if a post asked, "Hey, is there any ICE activity in town?" it wouldn't be allowed. Other posts get banned if they:
Explicitly obstruct law enforcement
Voice political opinions
Assume immigration status, or other types of prejudice
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