Flock CEO says drones are 'probably our fastest growing business', but consumer rights groups say they can 'jeopardize privacy' like license plate readers

Flock Safety's CEO, Garrett Langley, asserts that drone technology is their fastest-growing business segment. These drones, utilized primarily as "Drones as First Responders" (DFRs), are being deployed by law enforcement and local authorities to gather real-time intelligence during volatile situations. Langley shared an instance where a drone identified a gun as a large lighter during an emergency call, allowing for a swift de-escalation of the situation.

However, consumer rights groups argue that drones, including Flock's, pose significant privacy risks. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have expressed concerns over potential misuse and the lack of oversight. The EFF notes that drones with automated AI capabilities can jeopardize privacy in communities, especially when targeting vulnerable individuals.

Meanwhile, the ACLU argues that drones can facilitate intimidation and surveillance, as well as contribute to the decline of consumer drone operations.

Despite these criticisms, the public backlash against Flock's drone technology has not significantly impacted the company's bottom line. In fact, Langley's comments indicate that drones now account for nearly half of Flock's projected revenue. The company has made efforts to address privacy concerns by reducing default data retention for license plate readers from 30 days to 7 days. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of drones for surveillance remains a contentious issue.