The Debate Over Surveillance and Public Safety in the AI Era

The debate over where the line should be drawn between privacy and public safety has intensified in the AI era. At the center of this debate is Flock Safety, a company that has seen both an influx of investment and an intense public backlash.

Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, was founded in 2017 by Garrett Langley, Matt Feury, and Paige Todd. The company has seen significant success in selling its surveillance technology to businesses and law enforcement agencies. Its most recent fundraise last year was a $275 million round, placing Flock at a $7.5 billion valuation, a sharp increase from the prior year’s $4.8 billion valuation.

The company’s business success has been paired with pushback from privacy advocates like the ACLU and members of the general public. Some people have even gone so far as to destroy Flock’s surveillance cameras as it continues to offer its cameras and databases to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in particular. Among the biggest apparent setbacks for Flock, Amazon’s Ring recently ended a partnership with the company, and the LAPD let its deal with Flock lapse this month.

Langley’s Discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Flock’s founder and CEO Garrett Langley will speak about the company’s approach to the increasingly interwoven nature of AI and the surveillance industry. Langley’s discussion is certain to prove illuminating to Flock’s supporters and its critics.

Flock’s surveillance technology uses license plate recognition, but the company has more general surveillance use cameras and has been developing drone first responders following its acquisition of Aerodome. The company’s technology has been used in various settings, including businesses and law enforcement agencies.

Langley’s experience in the startup space predates Flock Safety. In past roles, he worked on the car subscription service Clutch and the platform Experience, where he oversaw several teams, including engineering and design prior to its sale to Cox Enterprises for $200 million in 2014. Flock Safety has secured $950 million in total funding since inception.

Disrupt 2026 and the Future of Surveillance

Disrupt 2026 will take place October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. The event will feature a wide array of workshops, speaker talks, after-parties, and networking opportunities. You can dive into the programming announced so far here, or take advantage of lower, early ticket prices right here.