Flock Safety, a surveillance technology company based in Atlanta, is at the heart of the ongoing debate about privacy versus public safety in the AI era. Founded in 2017 by Garrett Langley alongside Matt Feury and Paige Todd, the company gained momentum through Y Combinator and has since become known for its license plate recognition cameras and expanding surveillance solutions, including drone first responders after acquiring Aerodome. Their business has attracted significant investment, with a $275 million funding round last year that valued the company at $7.5 billion, bringing total funding to $950 million since the start.

Garrett Langley, who previously worked at startups like Clutch and Experience, will be speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 about the future of surveillance and the integration of AI in the industry. This event, set for October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, will feature Langley discussing how Flock Safety navigates the complex issues surrounding technology’s role in public safety and privacy concerns. His insights are expected to engage both critics and supporters of the company.

Flock Safety has faced considerable backlash, particularly from privacy advocates such as the ACLU, and the public has even taken action against its cameras by destroying them. The company’s partnerships have evolved amid controversy, including the termination of its collaboration with Amazon’s Ring and the LAPD letting their contract expire due to civil liberties and privacy concerns. Additionally, Flock has come under scrutiny for providing its camera networks and databases to agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 promises to be a platform for crucial conversations around surveillance technology and AI’s impact on public safety. With thousands of founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts attending, Langley’s session is one of many highlights addressing the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. Those interested can secure early bird tickets to join this influential gathering and follow the broader programming lineup announced for the conference this October.