Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley has become the latest target of online backlash after social media users claimed to have shared his home address in response to his comments about privacy and public safety. The posts surfaced as criticism of Flock Safety intensified over its nationwide network of automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which privacy advocates say enable mass surveillance.
Flock Safety operates one of the largest automated license plate reader networks in the US. Law enforcement agencies across 49 states use the system to search vehicle movements in criminal investigations.
During his Fox News interview, Langley said privacy and public safety should not be viewed as opposing goals. Users of the technology have said that it has helped recover stolen vehicles and locate missing people.
However, civil liberties groups argue the technology allows widespread surveillance and increases the risk of abuse. Some of these cases also include allegedly tracking current or former partners and family members. A recent investigation by The Washington Post identified nearly 50 cases in which officers were accused or charged with misusing Flock’s system.
