Flock’s founder and CEO Garrett Langley defended the use of surveillance technology during a panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco on Wednesday. He argued that the benefits of such technology outweigh the risks, stating,
“"If we want to live in a society where, if you commit a crime, you have a higher probability of being held accountable, we shouldn’t pause progress."
Langley faced tough questions regarding the backlash against Flock, which has resulted in canceled contracts and layoffs. Instead of addressing these concerns directly, he shared anecdotes from discussions with police chiefs and city leaders across the United States, emphasizing the crimes Flock claims to have solved.
The Trade-off of Privacy for Safety
Langley positioned Flock as an inevitable advancement in technology, suggesting that a reduction in crime requires a trade-off of privacy. He compared this situation to the ongoing debate surrounding AI, which is often marketed as a tool for improving lives while raising concerns about privacy and safety.
“"Technology, at its core, in its definition, is just doing things better. It’s not doing things perfect," Langley explained.
He likened Flock’s surveillance technology to driverless cars, asserting that while accidents may occur, the focus should be on improving safety rather than halting progress. However, unlike driverless car manufacturers, Flock has not paused operations in response to criticism.
