The CEO of Flock Safety, a $8.3 billion surveillance startup, has publicly apologized for labeling non-violent activists as 'terrorists'. Garrett Langley’s mea culpa marks a turning point in a mounting backlash against the company’s network of license plate readers.
Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, told Forbes on July 17, 2026, that he should not have described activist groups opposing the company's technology as 'terroristic'. The apology comes as a growing movement challenges the use of the company’s AI-powered license plate readers, which are deployed by thousands of police departments across the United States.
Flock Safety has faced increasing scrutiny over privacy and civil liberties concerns. Critics argue that the always-on cameras create a mass surveillance infrastructure with little oversight. The company, valued at $8.3 billion, has been a darling of venture capital, but community activists have organized protests, demanded transparency, and called for local bans on the devices.
In a statement that sparked outrage, Langley previously referred to these activists as part of a 'terroristic' movement. The backlash was immediate, with civil rights groups and even some law enforcement partners distancing themselves from the rhetoric. Langley’s apology now attempts to repair the damage. 'I was wrong to use that language,' he said in the Forbes interview, though he stopped short of changing Flock’s business practices.
Analysis: The episode highlights a growing friction between tech companies and the communities they operate in. Flock Safety’s rapid expansion—over 2 million cameras installed nationwide—has outpaced public debate. By calling activists terrorists, Langley inadvertently galvanized opposition. The apology may soothe tensions but does not address core concerns about data retention, warrantless surveillance, and potential misuse.
Outlook: Expect activists to demand more than words. Local ordinances restricting license plate readers are likely to gain momentum. Flock Safety may need to implement new privacy safeguards or face losing key municipal contracts. The CEO’s apology is a necessary first step, but the fight over surveillance in public spaces is far from over.
Technology
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Flock CEO Apologizes For Calling Activists ‘Terrorists’
As a movement against $8.3 billion Flock Safety’s license plate readers gathers momentum, company CEO Garrett Langley tells Forbes he shouldn’t have called non-violent activists “terroristic” organizations.
Thomas Brewster, Forbes Staff
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley apologized in a July 17, 2026 Forbes interview for calling non-violent activists 'terroristic'.
- Flock Safety is valued at $8.3 billion and operates a network of over 2 million AI-powered license plate readers across the U.S.
- The apology follows a growing grassroots movement demanding bans on Flock's surveillance cameras due to privacy concerns.
- Civil liberties groups and some police departments have criticized Langley’s language, straining Flock’s relationships with communities.
- Langley's apology is seen as damage control, but activists say they will continue pushing for stricter regulations and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley apologized for calling non-violent activists 'terroristic'. The apology came after months of backlash from privacy advocates and community groups opposed to the company's license plate reader network.
In earlier statements, CEO Garrett Langley referred to activists who opposed Flock Safety's surveillance cameras as part of a 'terroristic' movement. He later retracted the language in a Forbes interview.
Flock Safety is a surveillance technology company valued at $8.3 billion that sells AI-powered license plate readers and cameras. These devices are used by thousands of police departments across the United States.
Activists argue that Flock Safety's always-on cameras create a mass surveillance system that infringes on privacy, lacks transparency, and operates with little oversight or accountability.
CEO Garrett Langley issued a public apology for his language but did not announce any changes to the company's technology or policies. He has promised to engage more constructively with critics.
Local movements to ban or restrict license plate readers are expected to accelerate. Flock Safety may face increased regulatory pressure, loss of contracts, and demands for stronger privacy protections.
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Original source
www.forbes.com
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