Amazon Faces Privacy Lawsuit Over Ring’s Facial Recognition Software

A Virginia resident, Charles Sigwalt, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon in Seattle federal court over privacy violations allegedly committed by the e-commerce giant’s Ring video doorbell camera. The complaint alleges that the “Familiar Faces” feature uses facial recognition technology to scan and categorize individuals using artificial intelligence, collecting biometric data without consent.

Sigwalt claims he was unknowingly recorded at friends’ and family members’ homes where Ring cameras with the “Familiar Faces” feature were installed. He asserts that Amazon is still storing his biometric data despite not obtaining his consent for such use. The lawsuit seeks class-action status, aiming to address privacy violations at home entrances.

Amazon declined to comment on the suit. Introduced in September 2025, the “Familiar Faces” feature was designed to provide personalized alerts when visitors arrived, displaying names like “John at Front Door.” Users could opt-in or out of this feature. However, groups such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Senator Edward Markey have criticized it for potential privacy violations and mass surveillance risks.

Amazon has faced multiple legal challenges related to its Ring product. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission sued Amazon over access to personal videos recorded by Ring users and inadequate customer security measures, leading to threats or sexual propositions from hackers. The FTC settled for $5.8 million. Additionally, in a Super Bowl commercial controversy, Amazon ended its partnership with Flock Safety after backlash over unwanted surveillance concerns.

Amazon acquired the Ring video doorbell system for $1 billion in 2018.