Is Eufy Safe After Its 2022 Privacy Controversy? What Changed
Eufy is safer than it was during the 2022 privacy controversy, but trust should remain conditional. The Verge verified that supposedly local camera streams could be accessed through cloud-linked methods. Eufy later tightened web access, revised disclosures, and expanded encryption, yet you should verify each model’s current security options before buying or updating.
By Olami Y.
Last updated October 27, 2026
What happened with Eufy in 2022?
Eufy’s privacy claims did not match how every camera feature actually worked.
In November 2022, security researcher Paul Moore reported that his Eufy Doorbell Dual uploaded a thumbnail containing an identifiable face to a cloud server, despite his use of local storage and the absence of a paid cloud plan. The thumbnail supported push notifications, but Eufy had not explained that cloud processing clearly enough.
The Verge then reported that it could access a Eufy camera’s unencrypted live stream through the VLC media player after obtaining the required URL details. That contradicted Eufy’s marketing around local-only operation and end-to-end encryption.
Eufy initially disputed parts of the reporting and used wording that minimized the problem. Its later acknowledgments were more direct. That slow response damaged trust as much as the technical weaknesses did.
What did Eufy change?
Eufy changed its web portal, encryption practices, notification disclosures, and public explanation of cloud use.
Eufy also said its mobile app and web portal would explain cloud-dependent features more clearly. Its published security materials currently describe encrypted transmission and storage protections, but coverage can differ by device, feature, firmware, and viewing method.
Treat end-to-end encryption as a feature to verify for your exact workflow. It means only the communicating endpoints hold the keys needed to read the video. Standard encryption in transit protects data during transfer but may still allow the service operator to process it.
Does Eufy still have privacy risks?
Yes. Eufy reduced the specific risks reported in 2022, but any internet-connected camera still depends on software, account security, and accurate company disclosures.
Remote viewing usually requires vendor infrastructure even when recordings stay on a HomeBase or microSD card. Push previews may also require cloud handling. Firmware can change that behavior after purchase.
The largest unresolved issue is trust. Eufy corrected technical problems, yet its initial statements did not clearly acknowledge what independent reporting had demonstrated. You must decide whether the later changes are enough for a device that may record entrances or indoor spaces.
Choose Eufy if you value local recording, will maintain the system, and accept limited cloud contact for selected features. Choose an offline network camera or professionally managed system if you need tighter control, documented network isolation, or formal security administration.
Before combining cameras with another platform, use our smart home hub compatibility guidance. Renters can also pair careful privacy settings with our no-drill camera placement ideas, while our smart home camera privacy settings cover room-by-room exposure.
How can you make a Eufy camera safer?
You can reduce exposure through account protection, restrained feature choices, and regular checks.
- Install the latest firmware through the official Eufy Security app, then confirm the update completed on every camera and HomeBase.
- Use a unique password for your Eufy account and enable two-factor authentication if the current account settings offer it.
- Disable thumbnail previews if you do not want notification images processed through cloud infrastructure.
- Review sharing permissions and remove former household members, installers, or devices you no longer recognize.
- Place indoor cameras away from bedrooms, work documents, alarm keypads, and other areas where a breach would expose sensitive information.
- Put cameras on a separate guest or Internet of Things network if your router supports isolation. Do not block required connections unless you understand the effect on alerts and remote access.
- Test local recording after changing network settings. Disconnect the internet briefly, create an event, and confirm the footage remains available locally once the system reconnects.
Should you trust Eufy now?
You can use Eufy with reasonable precautions, but the company has not earned a blank check.
Keep an existing system if it receives updates, records as expected, and lets you disable cloud-dependent features you do not need. Replacing working hardware solely because of the 2022 incident may add cost without eliminating cloud risk.
Avoid Eufy for highly sensitive indoor monitoring if you require verified offline operation or cannot accept vendor account access. For a new purchase, compare the current privacy policy, update commitment, encryption scope, deletion process, and behavior during an internet outage.
Your next step: list the camera features you actually need, then use the Domoviq tools hub to narrow your setup before granting any camera access to your home network.
