Founder defends surveillance network

Garrett Langley, founder and CEO of Flock, a company that makes and operates surveillance cameras, has defended the company's network of 130,000 cameras. These cameras collect data such as license plates and vehicle details, feeding into databases used for monitoring drivers.

Langley links surveillance to societal safety

At Disrupt 2026, a tech event organized by TechCrunch, Langley argued that surveillance is essential for a society where criminals are more likely to be caught. He suggested that opposition to surveillance could hinder efforts to create a safer environment.

Appeal to fear and data concerns

Langley asked critics to imagine being victims of a crime, suggesting that the benefits of Flock’s network outweigh the privacy concerns. He acknowledged potential misuse of data but framed it as a necessary trade-off for societal improvement.

Prioritizing security over privacy

This stance is not new for Langley. In August, he told Fox News that privacy and security should be balanced, rather than treated as opposing priorities. He emphasized that compromise is necessary for national priorities.

New measures to address concerns

In response to criticism, Flock announced new measures in August. Starting January 1st, law enforcement will need to use a tool that detects unusual activity before accessing data, with access blocked until an audit is complete.

Limiting data use and storage

The company also reduced data storage to seven days and required law enforcement to enter a code from their case management system before searching. Customers can now limit which types of offenses external services can investigate.