I found rings and Nextdoor rules on posts about ice raids, police and more.
In this year’s surprising trend, more and more communities are using apps like Ring Neighbor and Nextdoor to discuss and track ice migrant raids. These security apps and associated Security Cam and Video doorbell Although it was not exactly intended to follow federal agents, General efforts in fields like California.
Law enforcement Retains the ability to request home security videos On the warrant, they are not used to being on the receiver of this technology. Security companies had to make clear choices about what to allow, what to prohibit, and what to respect. meanwhile, user They are concerned about their own privacy and freedom to share important information as well as their neighbourhoods.
We discussed these topics with Ring and Nextdoor and found advice for users who wanted to post about ice and police. The news is almost encouraging – here’s what I’ve learned.
Rules for reporting law enforcement activities on apps like Ring Neighbors
There are posts saying that names are unlikely to be removed on streets or anywhere else nearby.
When I reached out to ring (and the neighbors app policy on recent events and police attacks) Reddit Report (about the removal of posts), the company provided useful information about that particular policy.
I found out why rings tend to stop them from deleting certain posts or doing live shows to their neighbors. For one, posts about a General The existence of law enforcement agencies may exist. So if someone said ice was discovered in “Bel Gardens”, it would be too vague and their post would be rejected. Or if the post asks, “Hey, is there ice activity in town?”, it won’t be allowed. Other posts are prohibited:
- Explicitly obstruct law enforcement
- Political Opinions of Voice
- Assume immigration situations, or other types of bias
- Don’t relate to local events
Ring Neighbors allows posting Specific Law enforcement activities
Ringposts usually allow certain information, but cannot provide extensive discussion or charges.
Posts quoting the exact location, or images showing agents directly connected to the event, tend to be fine. According to the ring guidelines, if someone says “I saw ice knocking on the IHOP in Florence and Pico,” that’s allowed. Other permitted posts provide information about accurate intersections, addresses, complexes, blocks, and more.
The ban is not necessarily immediate. Posts that violate violated guidelines may be deleted after fact as a result of post-publication moderation, user flag removal. Additionally, customers can usually appeal moderation decisions for consistency.
When turning to Nextdoor, another popular neighborhood app used to discuss events, a company spokesman said, “Our platform will encourage discussion of local issues and community guidelines will prohibit broad commentary or personal opinions on national political topics.” As long as it’s a local issue and users follow basic community guidelines (respect, don’t discriminate, don’t use real identity), posting is fine.
Guidelines for posting to ring neighbors, etc.
App users should provide details and thorough explanations in their posts, especially if they include photos.
When I visit my Neighbors app, I see that, contrary to some reports, users often post about listening to sirens and police activities in their neighborhoods. Ask about masked strangers Or raise a question about law enforcement.
Posts like this make it clear: you can Post any security concerns about ring neighbors and other apps, especially if they involve police activities. You can also post about people who aren’t aware or people who are knocked by strangers. Masked Federal Ice Agents with no Identifiers.
In other words, what the ring said appears to be true. Explicit information cites the most recent local event is permitted, preferably using address data.
“Focus on the actions that sparked your doubts.” NextDoor recommends. “Describe the potentially criminal or dangerous activity you’ve observed or experienced – what the person was doing, what they said (if they told you), and include the direction they last headed.” Posting with an eye on the safety of your neighborhood is less likely to be deleted.
Finally, avoid posts that contain scary content or violate someone’s privacy.
Can users adjust each other with apps like Ring Neighbor?
The ring tends to allow conversations about what people can share about ongoing police events.
This is a gray area and it is difficult to know if the discussion will be removed. My experience with the Neighbors app left me with a lot of discussion about the existence of sirens and unexplained police, providing people with additional information from their own perspective, what they have heard in police scanners and more.
The more these posts refer to ice and federal enforcement, the more likely they will be removed, and as the conversation moves to debate about national issues and general legal advice, they may be removed. However, many people report using apps like their neighbors successfully Tell us about the attacks from nearby law enforcement agenciesSo I haven’t seen any evidence of blanket bans.
Groups that use the Neighbors app to communicate important information and provide help. Neighbors Verified Tagavailable to both public safety agencies and community organizations. This tag makes it easier for neighbors to trust information and announcements from certain accounts. Verified accounts cannot access additional information about users.
Law enforcement report covering platform doorbells and cameras
Denver’s NBC Affiliate, 9News, Published footage Reported by a federal agent hiding a video doorbell during the attack. (Independent) It has been reported The ice said it “does not comment on specific tactics, abilities or operations.”
It is unclear whether such a move is illegal under irrational searches and seizure protections, but civil rights lawyers say it is. If this happens, it is best to save the recording immediately. And remember that most agents need a warrant to enter the house.
Some final rules to follow
Often, the best response to a federal attack is not only remembering your rights, but not a reaction at all.
Whether you are worried about a federal attack, or want to be interested in what law enforcement is doing in your area or want to clarify what you are worried about, remember some of the basic rules outlined American Civil Liberties Union and National Center for Immigration Justice:
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Don’t escalate: If people who looked like federal agents or agents knocked on the door, people did nothing. Remember, Without a warrant, they are usually unable to enter the house.and if you have a video doorbell, it can still record everything that happens. Avoid conflict if possible and don’t give law enforcement anything to act. Remember, everyone still has the right to remain silent.
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If you feel your safety is at risk of extinction, call 911 or ask for help from a nonprofit. Calling 911 is very helpful if you feel unsafe due to a nearby event. You can explain the situation and have a record of the call. 911 is an emergency response service and not a business reporting to federal agents. There are also local immigration rights agencies that you can contact to report ice, and groups like the ACLU can usually point you in the right direction.
Check out the latest news for more details Which rings are showing to the police? (Good news for privacy fans) Legal impact of recording video or audio in your homeand what You and the landlord can legally use security cameras.