Flock Safety weighs selling itself
The license-plate reader and surveillance company has come under scrutiny for alleged misuse of its data.
Flock Safety, a company that provides surveillance technology, is considering selling itself amid scrutiny over its camera usage and alleged abuse, according to sources familiar with the matter. Conversations with outside advisers have taken place, but no decisions have been made regarding a potential sale process. A spokesperson for the Atlanta-based firm declined to comment on the matter.
Flock's technology and network could be of interest to competitors such as Axon, a taser-maker that operates a network of automated license-plate readers and equips police vehicles and officers with cameras, or Motorola Solutions, a rival company. Following reports of rogue police officers using Flock data to target and stalk individuals, the company introduced new safety measures to prevent such abuse.
The company has been at the center of a national debate on surveillance data and public safety, with numerous Flock cameras destroyed across the United States in response to the backlash, known as the "DeFlock" movement. Despite the controversy, Flock has taken steps to address concerns, such as reducing its default video retention window from 30 days to seven days.
The company maintains that its cameras have saved thousands of lives and reduced crime in the communities it operates. David Ulevitch, a board member of Flock, stated on Semafor's Compound Interest show that the benefits of public safety outweigh the concerns. Since its founding in 2017, Flock has experienced significant growth as more police departments, businesses, and homeowner associations utilize its license-plate readers.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
