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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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Surveillance company Flock cuts staff as privacy backlash grows
Flock would not say if CEO Garrett Langley would take a pay cut following the reduction in workforce.
·San Francisco, United States
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Flock Safety to Lay Off 20% of Workforce Amid Slowing Sales and Privacy Backlash
Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based maker of AI-powered license plate readers and surveillance cameras, plans to lay off roughly 20% of its workforce amid slowing revenue, growing privacy backlash, and increased competition. The cuts reflect mounting criticism from cities and civil liberties groups over mass surveillance concerns.
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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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution89% Center
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
89% Center
C 89%
11%
Factuality
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