Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley called for a ‘compromise’ between privacy and public safety. Reportedly, the surveillance technology company faces growing criticism over its expanding network of automated license plate reader cameras.
In a recent Fox News interview, Langley defended Flock’s technology while acknowledging the intensifying debate around how surveillance systems should operate. He argued that policymakers and technology companies must find a balance rather than prioritising either privacy or safety alone.
During a recent interview with Fox News, Garrett Langley, Flock Safety CEO, said, “The country needs to find a compromise between privacy and safety. When people talk about just one of these, privacy or safety, they’re prioritizing the wrong thing, and what we have to prioritize as a country is compromise. How do we have our safety, and how do we balance privacy?”
Flock operates more than 120,000 cameras across the US. Its automated license plate readers capture vehicle details and allow law enforcement agencies to search the data during criminal investigations. The resistance moved beyond public criticism. Some towns have decided not to sign any more contracts with Flock, as some cameras have been damaged. Reports indicate that at least 56 towns refused or cancelled Flock contracts in 2026.
Flock’s controversy is unfolding as it expands beyond traditional license plate recognition. WIRED reported that the company is developing an AI system called OS Investigate, which can combine vehicle-camera data with police records and other databases to assist investigations.
The development raised concerns that Flock could evolve from a camera provider into a broader AI-powered policing platform. Critics argue that stronger safeguards and clear legal limits will be necessary as surveillance capabilities expand.
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