Flock Cuts 270 Jobs as Privacy Backlash Over Surveillance Grows

Flock is cutting about 270 jobs, or 18% of its workforce, as opposition grows to the surveillance company’s license plate-reading network and vehicle-tracking capabilities across the United States.

The reductions are being carried out through a voluntary separation program, with affected employees expected to leave by the end of October. Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel said, “This was a voluntary program, not a layoff,” describing the measure as part of the company’s next phase of growth.

Flock operates more than 100,000 license plate-reading cameras nationwide. The system enables police and federal agents to track the locations and movements of vehicles passing the cameras, raising privacy and civil liberties concerns among communities and lawmakers.

Dozens of police officers have been arrested, fired or forced to resign for misusing access to search for, track or stalk people without warrants or permission. Some law-enforcement departments allowed contracts with Flock to expire or lapse, while some cities moved to take down the cameras.

The company has also faced criticism over cybersecurity and system accuracy. Cameras have been exposed and accessible online, while misidentified license plates have contributed to improper police stops and arrests.

Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel declined to comment further on whether Flock CEO Garrett Langley or other executives took pay cuts as part of the separation program.