An investigation by Consumer Reports has revealed major security flaws in some doorbell cameras sold online by retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Sears, and Shein. The cameras, manufactured by Chinese company Eken Group Ltd. under the brand names EKEN and Tuck, were found to have vulnerabilities that could allow bad actors to access footage from the devices or even take control of them completely. The researchers discovered that the devices can be controlled through a company-operated app called Aiwit, allowing unauthorized users to pair the camera with another device and gain access to the footage. In some cases, the cameras were found to be missing a registration code required by the Federal Communications Commission.

Walmart, Sears, and Temu have taken action to remove the Eken-made doorbell cameras from their platforms and are offering refunds to customers. However, Amazon, which has given the EKEN and Tuck doorbells its "Amazon's Choice" badge, did not respond to requests for comment and the cameras were still available on its site as of Thursday. Consumer Reports has called on major e-commerce platforms to improve their vetting processes for sellers and products to ensure that consumers are not put at risk. Justin Brookman, director of tech policy at Consumer Reports, emphasized the need for better oversight to protect consumers from potential security breaches.