A Ring Super Bowl ad and possible kidnapping case have sparked privacy concerns about home surveillance systems.

These developments have many wondering what a smart security camera or doorbell does, who has access to the video they take — and what homeowners can do to secure their own data.

Are the situations overblown? Sure. Is it time to ask some hard questions? Definitely.

Ring cameras have come under scrutiny for new features users didn't ask for and for partnerships with third‑party firms that ...