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Garrett Langley Defends Flock Safety AI Cameras Amid Growing Public Backlash and Vigilante Vandalism

Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley has addressed the growing public scrutiny regarding the company's automated license plate reader cameras. While the technology is vital for law enforcement to solve crimes and locate missing persons, many residents have raised concerns over privacy and potential misuse. Langley argued that the technology provides a necessary balance between safety and privacy. To address concerns, the company announced plans to reduce data retention from 30 days to seven days and implement auditing tools to hold officers accountable. Despite these reforms, some communities have pushed back, with several cities and towns canceling their contracts with Flock. Some residents have even resorted to vigilante vandalism, cutting down poles and spraying paint on cameras to protest the perceived surveillance state. Law enforcement agencies continue to defend the technology, citing its success in tracking suspects across jurisdictions. However, privacy advocates argue that without a warrant requirement, the system can be used for routine searches that may feel invasive to the average driver.

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