Amazon's smart home division, Ring, has announced the introduction of TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption) as its default cloud encryption protocol. This move aims to balance user privacy with access to essential features such as Smart Alerts and video sharing.

The new standard operates by temporarily storing encryption keys in the cloud for 24 hours before they are deleted. Ring maintains that this approach enables it to provide intelligent functionalities without compromising data security, thereby allowing users to enjoy familiar features like Smart Alerts while ensuring their privacy is protected.

According to a white paper from Amazon, TAKE was developed with Messaging Layer Security (MLS) as its foundation. Users can authenticate themselves using facial recognition or other methods if they lose access to their device and need to recover encryption keys. The standard will be rolled out globally starting in September, but users retain the option to opt for end-to-end encryption.

Despite this step towards a more balanced approach, Ring has faced criticism over its 'Familiar Faces' feature, which sparked a class action lawsuit in June. This lawsuit accused Amazon of storing images from passersby without their consent, highlighting ongoing tensions between advanced technology and user privacy.