Amazon’s Ring ends partnership with top operator of license-plate reading systems after Super Bowl ad raises fears of dystopian surveillance society

Fortune

by The Associated Press

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Amazon’s Ring has terminated its partnership with Flock Safety, a leading provider of automated license-plate reading systems, after a comprehensive review revealed that integrating their technologies would require more time and resources than anticipated. The decision came amid growing public concern over surveillance following a controversial Super Bowl ad featuring Ring’s Search Party feature, which showcased the ability to track objects like lost dogs through a network of cameras. Although the ad itself did not involve Flock Safety, the partnership was intended to allow Ring users to share video footage with law enforcement via a feature called Community Requests. Despite the cancellation, both companies emphasized that no customer data had been shared with Flock Safety. The planned integration would have enabled Ring camera owners to respond to police requests for video footage, aligning with Flock’s mission to support law enforcement while adhering to local laws and policies. Flock, known for its extensive network of cameras capturing billions of license plate images monthly, has faced criticism over potential ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The company maintains that it does not directly share data with ICE or other federal agencies, though it acknowledges that police departments using Flock systems may choose to collaborate with such agencies. This stance has raised concerns about the broader implications of surveillance technology on privacy and civil liberties. Beyond the Flock partnership, Ring’s own technologies, including face recognition features like “Familiar Faces,” have sparked criticism from advocacy groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The Super Bowl ad, which depicted AI-driven tracking of a lost dog through neighborhood cameras, left many viewers uneasy about the potential for similar monitoring of humans. Senator Edward Markey has also called on Amazon to discontinue such invasive technologies, reflecting a growing public backlash againstRing’s surveillance capabilities and their impact on privacy in communities. The termination of the Flock partnership highlights the challenges companies face when balancing innovation with public trust. As tech giants like Amazon continue to expand into surveillance tools, they must navigate increasing scrutiny over data use and privacy concerns. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in developing technologies that intersect with law enforcement and public safety, ultimately shaping

Verticals

businessfinance

Originally published on Fortune on 2/14/2026