Flock CEO Stands Firm on Surveillance Tech Despite Nationwide Criticism: ‘We Must Advance, Not Halt’
Garrett Langley, the founder and CEO of Flock, believes that the advantages of implementing surveillance technology greatly outweigh the possible risks.
During a discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, Langley stated, “If we aspire to live in a society where crime accountability is heightened, we should not halt progress.”
When faced with tough questions regarding the backlash against Flock — which has resulted in lost contracts and layoffs — Langley often redirected the conversation towards anecdotes involving law enforcement officials and claims of crimes that Flock has helped resolve, rather than addressing the public’s concerns directly.
Langley portrayed Flock’s technology as an inevitable advancement, arguing that individuals seeking a safer community must be willing to trade some privacy for that safety.
This trade-off is reminiscent of the discussion surrounding AI, often promoted as a revolutionary tool for enhancing life by automating mundane tasks and providing convenience. However, critics warn that this reliance on AI comes at the cost of personal information and existential risks.
Concerns regarding technology, such as Flock, mirror the skepticism towards AI, with many feeling it has been imposed on them without proper consent.
Langley attributes these dynamics to the nature of technological progress, asserting, “At its essence, technology aims to improve how things are done. It may not achieve perfection, but it strives to be better.” He referenced driverless cars as an example, emphasizing that despite setbacks, advancements in safety should not warrant a complete shutdown of innovation.
Unlike autonomous vehicle firms that address accidents promptly, Flock appears less decisive in determining when to intervene. Langley indicated that he prefers to leave the ethical considerations of Flock’s use to decision-makers in municipalities.
“We don’t want to dictate to city leaders how to perform their roles,” he explained. “We will provide guidance, but aim to limit mandatory features and policies.”
CEO: ‘Flock is far from perfect’
In response to criticism, Langley suggested that misinformation has led to customer cancellations, sharing an incident where a client ended their contract due to a misunderstanding about Flock’s capabilities regarding facial recognition. Although Flock cameras cannot identify faces, they can track individuals.
Langley also criticized the expectation for technology to be flawless, citing a community leader who opined that society often evaluates technology against an unattainable ideal. “Flock is a work in progress, as am I. I’ve made my share of mistakes,” he acknowledged.
He faced scrutiny for characterizing Flock as a method of enhancing law enforcement efficiency, particularly given the current decline in police staffing.
“The landscape of policing has shifted dramatically, especially post-COVID, with numerous positions remaining unfilled. Flock could play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps,” he asserted.
However, when pressed about potential abuses and privacy concerns linked to surveillance technology, Langley failed to provide concrete solutions.
“There are ways to mitigate abuse without compromising the legal apparatus or the effectiveness of law enforcement,” he offered, without elaborating further.
Langley’s conviction in Flock’s positive societal impact appeared to overshadow his responses to ethical dilemmas. “The reality of launching a significant enterprise involves challenges, but the benefits are substantial, as many lives are improved thanks to Flock,” he stated. “While criticisms exist, the potential need for our services can’t be ignored, as one day, any individual might find themselves in a vulnerable position,” he concluded.
