Flock Cuts Workforce Amid Privacy Backlash Over Surveillance Technology

• •Flock is cutting 270 jobs, about 18% of its workforce, due to privacy backlash.
• •The company faces criticism for misuse of its surveillance technology by law enforcement.
• •Flock has lost several contracts amid growing public and legislative scrutiny.

Flock Safety is reducing its workforce by 18%, approximately 270 employees, due to increasing backlash against its surveillance technology, particularly its license plate readers. The company has faced criticism for privacy violations and misuse of its systems by law enforcement, leading to lost contracts and customer frustration. Flock's voluntary buyout program opened on October 2, 2026, with expectations that many employees will accept the offer. The backlash has intensified as reports surfaced of police officers abusing access to Flock's technology to track individuals without warrants. Flock has also been criticized for cybersecurity issues, including exposing cameras to public access. The company has installed over 100,000 cameras across the U.S., prompting some cities to remove them amid public outcry. Flock's spokesperson emphasized that the staff cuts are part of a strategy for sustainable growth, not layoffs. The company has seen a decline in contracts, with several law enforcement agencies allowing their agreements to expire due to privacy concerns.