Flock Safety CEO calls for 'compromise' as surveillance technology backlash intensifies

Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based startup that has become one of the largest private providers of license-plate recognition (LPR) systems in the United States, is facing intensifying scrutiny from civil liberties groups, community organizers, and some lawmakers. In a statement this week, CEO Garrett Langley acknowledged the concerns and called for a 'compromise' that balances public safety with privacy rights.

'We recognize that communities have legitimate questions about how this technology is deployed and governed,' Langley said. 'We believe there is a path forward that allows law enforcement to solve and reduce crime while protecting civil liberties. We are committed to finding that compromise.'

The company's cameras, often mounted on street poles or in parking lots, capture images of every passing vehicle and its license plate. The data is stored in a cloud-based system that police can search for vehicles linked to crimes, suspects, or alerts such as Amber Alerts. Flock says its technology has helped solve thousands of cases, from stolen vehicles to homicides.

Critics, however, argue that the network enables mass surveillance without meaningful oversight. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has warned that widespread LPR systems can be used to track individuals' movements, disproportionately target communities of color, and risk data breaches or mission creep. In several cities, including San Francisco and Berkeley, local governments have restricted police use of Flock's cameras or banned them altogether.

Langley's call for compromise comes amid a broader national debate over police surveillance technology. While some residents and law enforcement officials praise Flock for aiding investigations and deterring crime, others say the company's business model — selling to departments with minimal public input — erodes trust. Flock has responded by introducing some transparency features, such as a public dashboard showing camera locations, but critics say these measures fall short.

The CEO did not specify what a compromise might look like, but suggested it could include stricter data retention policies, independent audits, and community oversight boards. 'We're listening,' Langley said. 'But we also need to be honest about the fact that this technology saves lives.'

Why This Matters

Privacy at scale: Flock's network now covers tens of thousands of cameras across the U.S., creating a searchable database of vehicle movements that could be vulnerable to abuse or hacking.
Local democracy vs. private surveillance: The controversy highlights a growing tension between communities that want control over policing tools and companies that market directly to law enforcement agencies.
Precedent for regulation: How this conflict resolves may shape broader rules for other surveillance technologies, including facial recognition and predictive policing.

Background

Flock Safety was founded in 2017 by Garrett Langley, a former cybersecurity executive, with the goal of reducing crime through data. The company raised hundreds of millions from venture capital firms including Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, reaching a valuation over $4 billion. Its cameras are now deployed in more than 4,000 communities. Initially marketed as a tool for homeowners' associations and small businesses, Flock quickly became a staple in police departments, often paid for by grants or donations. Critics have long raised alarms, but recent incidents — including a data breach in 2024 that exposed camera locations, and reports that some departments shared real-time access with federal immigration enforcement — have intensified public opposition.

Key Perspectives

[Flock Safety]: The company argues its technology is a force multiplier for understaffed police forces, helping solve crimes that would otherwise go unaddressed. It maintains that data is encrypted, access is logged, and it does not allow real-time tracking of individuals. Langley's call for compromise signals a willingness to accept more regulation to preserve the company's growth. [Privacy and civil liberties advocates (ACLU, EFF)]: They contend that any mass surveillance system, even one with privacy safeguards, enables a chilling effect on free movement and disproportionately harms marginalized communities. They demand automatic data deletion after a short period (e.g., 30 days), third-party audits, and an outright ban on law enforcement sharing access with outside agencies. [Law enforcement users]: Police departments that use Flock often cite its effectiveness in recovering stolen vehicles and locating missing persons. Some officers have pushed back on restrictions, arguing that the technology is already narrowly targeted and that community fears are overblown. They want to preserve the tool's utility while addressing legitimate privacy concerns.

What to Watch

State legislative action: Several states are considering bills to regulate LPR use, including mandatory collection limits and public reporting requirements. The outcome in large states like California or Texas could set a national template.
Data breaches or misuse scandals: Any publicized incident of employee abuse or security lapse could swing public opinion and accelerate calls for a moratorium.
Flock's transparency measures: The company's next product announcements or policy changes will be closely scrutinized to see if they substantively address critics' demands or merely pay lip service.

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