Google Nest, Amazon Ring Cameras Spark Debate on Security vs. Privacy

FBI's use of footage from Nancy Guthrie's Nest camera raises concerns about data collection and law enforcement access.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The FBI's use of footage from Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest doorbell camera has reignited debates around how much data these internet-connected home devices collect and what happens to that data. While the details are still unclear, the case highlights concerns that tech companies may continue collecting and storing video even when customers' subscriptions lapse. Experts say consumers often don't realize the extent of data sharing with these companies, leading to backlash when it becomes public.

Why it matters

The growing prevalence of internet-connected home security cameras like Google Nest and Amazon Ring has raised ongoing concerns about the balance between public safety and personal privacy. As these devices become more advanced and integrated with AI-powered analytics, there are fears that they could enable widespread surveillance and data collection without users' full awareness or consent.

The details

The FBI was able to access footage from Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest camera, even though Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos had previously said the video was unavailable because Guthrie did not pay for a Nest subscription. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau was able to "excavate material that people would think would normally be deleted and no one would look for." This has sparked questions about how much data these devices collect and store, even when customers believe their subscriptions have lapsed.

  • On February 12, 2026, the FBI published videos from Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest doorbell camera.
  • On February 14, 2026, Amazon announced a new 'AI-powered community' feature for its Ring doorbell cameras that can be used to find lost dogs.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

A resident whose Google Nest doorbell camera footage was accessed by the FBI during an investigation.

Kash Patel

The FBI Director who stated the bureau was able to access and recover footage from Guthrie's Nest camera.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who previously said the video from Guthrie's Nest camera was unavailable because she did not pay for a subscription.

Ashkan Soltani

The former head of the California Privacy Protection Agency, who commented on how consumers often don't realize the extent of data sharing with tech companies.

Ed Markey

A U.S. Senator who wrote an open letter to Amazon about the company's use of facial recognition technology in its Ring doorbell cameras.

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What they’re saying

“We were able to execute lawful searches and go to these private sector companies and expedite results, and then go into their systems and actually excavate material that people would think would normally be deleted and no one would look for.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (Fox News)

“I used to joke that privacy problems are essentially 'surprise management' on the part of companies since typically most consumers don't understand how their information is collected and used (particularly passive collection).”

— Ashkan Soltani, Former Head of the California Privacy Protection Agency (Email)

“Ring only uses facial recognition when it's enabled by a customer, designed to give customers more control over the alerts they receive.”

— Amazon Spokesperson (Email Statement)

What’s next

Sen. Ed Markey has written an open letter to Amazon asking the company to turn off its facial recognition technology on Ring doorbells.

The takeaway

The case of Nancy Guthrie's Nest camera footage highlights the ongoing tension between the convenience and security benefits of internet-connected home devices and the potential for abuse and erosion of personal privacy. As these technologies become more advanced and integrated, there are growing calls for greater transparency and consumer control over how their data is collected and used.