Flock CEO Defends ALPR Cameras Amid Privacy Backlash

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley defended his company’s automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, arguing that the technology is essential for public safety and accountability. Despite growing public concern regarding privacy and surveillance, Langley dismissed calls to pause the deployment of these devices as counterproductive to societal progress. During the event, he addressed controversies surrounding the company's audio detection features, insisting they are designed to identify specific sounds like gunshots rather than monitor human speech. While Langley stated that Flock would immediately terminate contracts with any law enforcement agency found to be breaking the law, he noted that no such actions have been taken yet. The company continues to face scrutiny over its surveillance practices, with critics arguing that the trade-off between privacy and security remains a significant point of contention for communities where these cameras are installed.