Flock Offers Employees Buyouts as Customers Flee
As dozens of cities end contracts for its controversial license plate readers, Flock is rolling out a voluntary severance program, WIRED has learned.
Flock, a startup worth over $8 billion, is offering voluntary severance packages to its employees as customers increasingly abandon the company due to concerns over its extensive network of license plate readers. The buyout program, set to open applications on Friday, allows employees until October 2 to decide whether to leave the firm.
Flock anticipates granting buyouts to most workers who apply, according to an internal email. Reports suggest a significant portion of the company's roughly 1,500 employees may opt to depart. The startup has faced growing frustration across the US over privacy concerns and alleged misuse of its surveillance technology. WIRED has documented instances of officers allegedly abusing Flock to track ex-partners and colleagues, exposed widespread access sharing among agencies, and detailed the extensive data collection capabilities of Flock's devices.
The company's contracts have either not been extended or been dropped this year, potentially leaving it short of revenue goals, according to two sources. Additionally, vandalism targeting Flock's cameras has unexpectedly increased expenses. Without the buyout program, Flock would likely need to lay off some staff. Flock claims the separation program provides employees with "greater agency" and a "more generous" package than ever before, roughly twice its previous severance offers.
The package includes several months of health care coverage and the ability to exercise stock options within two years post-separation. Employees are expected to learn the outcome of their applications on October 9, with most accepted workers leaving by October 29, though some may remain for an additional one to three months. The company's CEO, Garrett Langley, acknowledged that the backlash against the firm primarily damaged internal morale, prompting the offer.
Some advocacy groups have reported a surge in local governments cutting ties with Flock, with roughly three times as many doing so in 2026 compared to the previous five years. Flock is also developing AI-powered investigative software to identify drivers, locate potential associates, and search across police records and other data.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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