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AI surveillance startup Flock Safety to cut several hundred jobs amid backlash: Reuters
The buyout follows rising backlash over Flock’s AI cameras, which are used by more than 4,800 law enforcement agencies and nearly 1,000 businesses.
- On Thursday, Flock Safety announced plans to cut about 18% of its workforce, impacting roughly 270 employees following a voluntary buyout program, according to people with direct knowledge of the plans.
- The company faces mounting opposition from communities and lawmakers over its AI-powered surveillance cameras, with critics raising concerns regarding alleged privacy violations and data-sharing practices.
- Across 49 states, Flock operates a network of around 120,000 AI-powered cameras, providing software to more than 4,800 law enforcement agencies and nearly 1,000 businesses that automatically record passing vehicles.
- Florida banned automated license plate readers in September citing privacy risks, while a Virginia lawsuit alleges warrantless surveillance and Home Depot investors recently demanded reviews of vendor partnerships.
- Despite a $7.5 billion valuation and over $950 million in venture funding, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed public opinion remains divided: 38% of Americans support the cameras while 47% oppose them.
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AI surveillance startup Flock Safety to cut several hundred jobs amid backlash, sources say
Flock Safety plans to let go of about 18% of its employees, people with direct knowledge of the plans said on Thursday, as the maker of AI-powered surveillance cameras and license-plate readers faces...
·Annecy, France
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EXCLUSIVE: AI surveillance startup Flock Safety to cut several hundred jobs amid backlash, sources say
Flock Safety plans to let go of about 18% of its employees, people with direct knowledge of the plans said on Thursday, as the maker of AI-powered surveillance cameras and license-plate readers faces mounting opposition to its products from communities and lawmakers.
·London, United Kingdom
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Flock Safety offers buyouts to its 1500 workers as cities drop its cameras
Flock Safety's voluntary separation program opened September 18 for its roughly 1,500 employees, with departures set for around October 29. People familiar with the matter told WIRED the company likely faced layoffs otherwise.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Center
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources are Center
86% Center
C 86%
14%
Factuality
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