A judge has ruled that the capabilities of the Amazon Ring doorbell breached the UK Data Protection Act after a dispute between neighbours ended up at County Court.

The judge at Oxford County Court decided the use of the Ring doorbell by Jon Woodward broke data protection laws and amounted to harassment of neighbour Dr Mary Fairhurst, the Daily Mail reported.

Dr Fairhurst, who argued that the CCTV devices put her under ‘continuous visual surveillance’ and said Mr Woodward had become aggressive when she complained about the cameras, could be paid more than £100,000.

We asked our readers on Facebook whether they think video doorbells breach the privacy of others and here’s what they said:

DONNA ROPER: “If used incorrectly they can record neighbours in their gardens and even record their conversations, which is a gross invasion of privacy.

“However when used appropriately I think they are a good thing.”

JOSÉ RODRIGUES: “In my property I do whatever I want. If you don’t want to be caught on my doorbell camera, just don’t ring my bell and don’t come to my property without being invited.”

ALSO READ: Amazon Ring doorbell ruled to breach UK Data Protection Act: Will they be banned?

RAY MARSHALL: “Only people with a seedy past and up to no good would object to the Ring doorbells which are there to keep us all safe.

"If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear from these devices.”

LISA PARDY: “I have one and my neighbours car was smashed by a delivery driver and he drove off now he has been caught with no insurance.

“I think they are good and work like cctv and they have one themselves now.”

HELEN OVENS: “Not if used correctly. But people have them to listen to other people’s conversations.”

CRAIG PRATLEY: “Those who complain about them when not owning one will be quick to knock on their door if something happened to their property or cars.

POLL: Do you think video doorbells breach the privacy of others?

“You have to make sure your home and family are safe if you’re not at home.

“Also if anything happens and you report to Thames Valley police the first question they ask is ‘has anything been taken’? If no they don’t want to know unless theft has happened.

“But as soon as something has happened in the area they’re also quick to knock and ask for footage captured on your device.

“As long as the device is used correctly and not focusing on surrounding property windows or privacy it’s a good deterrent to have up.”

HELENA EDYTHE COWDREY: “As long as it’s recording your property it’s not a problem. Or if it overlooks your neighbour just let them know you have cameras.

“I have a couple of cameras around my house. I also have stickers letting people know I have cameras.”

ALSO READ: Amazon to open first UK store

MARTIN SMITH: “My doorbell is protecting my neighbour’s house opposite so they are very grateful. As it costs them nothing. And they are more than happy.”

RAY JENKINS: “If the doorbell camera only films activity at the front door I don’t see a problem.

“If it is sited to record people who are nothing to do with the householder it could feel a bit creepy.

“The benefit of CCTV in public areas is another matter, it can be a great aid for security. I wouldn’t want my neighbours recording the goings-on in my garden even though I am past doing anything interesting.”

SARAH WILLIAMS: “Not if used correctly. No worse than CCTV cameras on a house and can actually help with crimes.

“The only time people would worry is if they are doing something they should not be doing.”

TONY WILD: “Good at catching people out that’s for sure.”

JULIE HARTLEY: “My neighbour caught a culprit breaking into there car with one no different to CCTV in towns.”

ANTHONY MARTIN: “I’d notify my neighbour and ask if filming their property is okay.”

NEIL PORTER: "Never look at mine until someone rings the doorbell when I'm away from home."

NATALIE GIBBONS: "Yes, unless clearly only facing their own garden."

NANNYGYPSY FIN: "No, I believe they are now necessary."

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