{
  "id": 10514757,
  "title": "The internet goes after Flock CEOs personal information as backlash continues",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/the-internet-goes-after-flock-ceos-personal-information-as-backlash",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-28T19:10:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/tech/flock-ceo-house-listed-as-public-toilet-privacy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Flock CEO Garrett Langley is currently avoiding public appearances. During a recent hearing before the U.S. Senate's Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Langley did not attend, instead sending a letter on his behalf. However, a subset of internet users has taken it upon themselves to target the CEO, allegedly using a circulating address they claim belongs to him. This group has tried to link Langley's home with the term \"public toilet.\" While this allegation remains unconfirmed, it has sparked widespread debate online. Others have called upon their peers to share Langley's personal details publicly, aiming to illustrate the implications of perpetual surveillance without justification. The backlash reflects a sense of poetic justice, as critics question why tech executives deem privacy rules irrelevant to themselves. On social media platforms like X, users have decried the notion that privacy rules only apply to others. Some users have even commented on the irony of the address being obscured from public view via Google Maps' Street View feature. In response, a thread on the r/AskConservatives subreddit questioned whether the Flock CEO deserves privacy. The controversy surrounding Flock has intensified, with the company now linked to a nationwide surveillance system powered by Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs). These devices are used by law enforcement to monitor and profile drivers, regardless of criminal involvement. The anti-ALPR movement has gained momentum recently, leading to a bipartisan push to terminate Flock contracts, regulate their usage, or even ban their deployment altogether. In reaction to growing public opposition, Flock's devices have been physically removed from several towns. The DeFlock America Facebook group, a platform for surveillance opponents, recently surpassed 820,000 members, highlighting the growing public dissent against the company's practices.",
  "summary": "The internet continues its fight against Flock, turning to old school pranks targeting CEO Garrett Langley.",
  "key_points": [
    "Flock CEO Garrett Langley avoids public appearances, sends letters on his behalf",
    "Internet users target Langley's home address, link it to \"public toilet\"",
    "Backlash reflects criticism of tech executives' disregard for privacy rules"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}