Flock Safety, a leading company at the intersection of surveillance technology and privacy debate, will have its CEO Garrett Langley speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco. Langley will explore the evolving role of AI in public safety and surveillance amid rising investment and public scrutiny.
- Flock Safety valued at $7.5 billion with $950 million raised
- Faces backlash including public opposition and lost partnerships
- Langley to discuss AI’s impact on surveillance and public safety
What happened
Flock Safety founder and CEO Garrett Langley will speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 about the future of surveillance and the complex balance between privacy and public safety. The event takes place October 13-15 in San Francisco and is known for hosting pivotal discussions on technology and innovation.
Since its founding in 2017 and participation in Y Combinator, Flock Safety has grown to become a major player in surveillance technology, particularly license plate recognition and drone-assisted responses after acquiring Aerodome. The company recently closed a $275 million funding round, valuing it at $7.5 billion, reflecting significant investor confidence.
Why it matters
Flock Safety operates within a highly sensitive area that pits public safety against personal privacy rights, an issue intensified by AI advancements. While the company has gained adoption by law enforcement and businesses, it faces substantial pushback from privacy advocates like the ACLU and public protests, including vandalism of its cameras.
Recent developments have challenged Flock's influence in the market, with partners like Amazon's Ring ending their cooperation and the LAPD letting their contract lapse. These developments highlight ongoing concerns and resistance surrounding surveillance technologies despite their potential safety benefits.
What to watch next
Garrett Langley’s upcoming discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt will be closely watched by industry insiders, privacy advocates, and policymakers alike. His perspective on how AI intersects with surveillance could influence future regulatory and business approaches to these technologies.
The broader tech and safety community will also observe how Flock Safety navigates the public backlash and market challenges, especially as surveillance systems become more widespread and technologically advanced. The company's strategic moves following this event could set important precedents for balancing innovation with privacy safeguards.