As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, one of the biggest developments has been the release of footage from her Google Nest doorbell camera. This digital evidence provided investigators with information about the suspect’s backpack, holster and gloves. While the data release raises hopes that Mrs. Guthrie will be returned home safely, it also raises broader concerns about consumer privacy, as Google possessed the data even though Guthrie did not subscribe to its services. This revelation highlights the importance of understanding how home digital devices collect, store and use our data as well as the need for technology companies to fully explain their practices—in layman’s terms—that enable consumers to make informed decisions.

Doorbell cams are extremely popular—27 percent of U.S. homes have them. In 2024, the global doorbell cam market size was estimated to be $2.02 billion, and it’s projected to reach $6.84 billion by 2033. Some store the data they collect locally while others (including Google and Amazon versions) store data in the cloud. Most doorbell cam manufacturers offer a subscription option to retain and access older footage. Without a subscription, doorbell cam owners are only able to see a limited window of data. In the Guthrie case, it was initially reported that the Nest doorbell cam data was inaccessible because Mrs. Guthrie did not have a subscription. However, the FBI subsequently released a........

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