Exclusive-AI surveillance startup Flock Safety to cut several hundred jobs amid backlash, sources say

Flock Safety, an AI surveillance startup, announced on Thursday that it plans to cut around 18 percent of its workforce, according to sources. The company, which makes AI-powered surveillance cameras and license-plate readers, is facing opposition from communities and lawmakers. The job cuts, which will affect approximately 270 employees, come after a voluntary buyout program and are expected to take effect by the end of the month.

Flock Safety, founded in 2017 and based in Atlanta, has experienced rapid growth, raising over $950 million in funding. The company has approximately 1,500 employees and its technology is used by over 4,800 law enforcement agencies and 1,000 businesses. Despite receiving strong investment interest, Flock Safety has come under scrutiny for alleged privacy violations and data-sharing practices.

The company faces legal challenges, including a privacy lawsuit in Virginia, and is a topic of discussion in the mid-term elections.