Flock Safety, a US-based artificial intelligence surveillance startup, plans to lay off approximately 270 employees, representing around 18% of its workforce, as the company faces increasing opposition from communities and lawmakers over its surveillance technology.
According to a Reuters report published by The Economic Times on October 9, 2026, the planned job cuts follow a voluntary employee buyout programme. People familiar with the plans said on Thursday that the affected employees are expected to leave the company at the end of October. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because Flock Safety has not publicly announced the layoffs. The company declined to comment.
Flock Safety, which has around 1,500 employees, announced a voluntary separation programme in September, asking workers interested in leaving the company to apply. The programme was previously reported by Wired.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Flock Safety develops AI-powered surveillance cameras and software, including systems that automatically read vehicle licence plates. Its network comprises approximately 120,000 cameras installed on streets and highways across 49 US states, recording vehicles as they pass.
The company provides cameras and software to more than 4,800 law enforcement agencies and nearly 1,000 businesses. Flock Safety says its technology helps authorities investigate and solve crimes. However, its surveillance network and data-sharing practices have drawn growing scrutiny from privacy advocates, regulators and lawmakers.
Public opposition has intensified amid concerns about potential privacy violations and the use of surveillance data. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 47% of Americans opposed the use of Flock cameras in their communities, while 38% supported their use.
In September, Florida banned automated licence-plate readers from state highways, citing privacy risks associated with Flock’s cameras. Home Depot investors have also recently called for reviews of the retailer’s partnerships with surveillance technology providers after reports that Flock’s data had been used in immigration enforcement.
The company is also facing legal challenges. A privacy lawsuit in Virginia alleges that the widespread deployment of its AI-powered cameras amounts to warrantless surveillance.
Despite the growing criticism, Flock Safety has attracted substantial investor interest. The company has raised more than $950 million from venture capital investors. In March 2026, it secured a $275 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, which valued the startup at $7.5 billion.
According to the company, the funding has supported the development of a new manufacturing facility in the United States and plans to expand into drone products.
Flock Safety’s surveillance technology has also become a subject of debate ahead of this year’s US midterm elections, with candidates increasingly raising concerns about AI-powered surveillance systems. The planned workforce reduction comes as the company faces mounting pressure over its products, even as it continues to attract investment and expand its technology offerings.
