# Flock Safety Expands Surveillance with Drone Technology License plate-reading drones spark privacy debates across the US. - **Source:** [CNET](https://brifing.si/source/ce507de7-7f24-4ff4-ab6d-7635abcc095a) - **Published:** 2026-08-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/9b9c20fb-b51e-4adf-982c-05f1cfe09a22 ## From Ground to Sky Surveillance Flock Safety expanded its aerial surveillance capabilities by acquiring drone startup Aerodome for over $300 million in 2024. The Flock Alpha drone can read license plates from up to 2,000 feet and deploy autonomously within 90 seconds of a triggered alarm. These drones can cover 38 square miles and are harder to disable compared to ground-based cameras. The acquisition marks a significant shift in the company's surveillance strategy. ## Fastest-Growing Business Unit Flock CEO Garrett Langley revealed that drones are the company's 'fastest-growing business unit' and will account for nearly half of future revenue. Langley described drones as 'the next big chapter in law enforcement,' potentially as impactful as police body cameras. The company plans to start manufacturing its own drones in Georgia and has already deployed about 200 as first-responder units. This expansion reflects Flock's ambition to dominate the surveillance technology market. ## Privacy Concerns Mount Flock's license plate reader (LPR) cameras face criticism for misidentifying vehicles and potential misuse against vulnerable groups. Cities like Los Angeles have paused or canceled contracts with the company. Activists in some communities have dismantled or disabled Flock cameras as protests. Drones with high-resolution cameras could further escalate concerns, as they offer even greater capabilities for plate reading and vehicle tracking while being harder to interfere with from the ground. ## OS Investigate Controversy A Wired investigation uncovered Flock's OS Investigate software, which can identify drivers and vehicles based solely on movement patterns. While Flock claims the software remains in testing, privacy advocates argue it integrates vehicle scan data with police reports, effectively creating a powerful suspect-generation system. This development raises questions about the potential for algorithmic bias and over-policing in communities already under surveillance. ## ACLU Sounds Alarm The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) published a March report warning about drone privacy risks. The report states, 'If there's a drone overhead, we should know whether it belongs to Amazon, police, ICE, a realtor, or a private citizen.' The ACLU emphasized the need for transparency regarding flight purposes, onboard equipment, and data practices. These concerns grow as Flock expands its aerial surveillance network without clear public oversight mechanisms. ## Safety vs. Privacy Debate Langley acknowledged Flock's position at the center of the personal privacy versus community safety debate. 'We want safer communities while preserving privacy, but it's challenging,' he said. Unlike competitors, Flock claims it doesn't use cameras for facial recognition or peering into vehicles. However, the company's technological capabilities continue to outpace existing privacy protections, creating tension between innovation and civil liberties. ## Grassroots 'Deflock' Resistance Local resistance to Flock cameras has grown through 'deflock' actions. Some municipalities resorted to bagging cameras when Flock ignored deactivation requests. Activists have crowdsourced camera locations to raise awareness. This movement may evolve as drones present new challenges for protestors—being harder to physically interfere with while offering more intrusive surveillance capabilities from above. ## The Future of Surveillance Flock's drone technology could set new standards for law enforcement and private security surveillance. However, its privacy implications and potential for abuse highlight the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. Balancing community safety needs with individual freedoms will be crucial for Flock's long-term acceptance. As aerial surveillance becomes more pervasive, society must decide what level of monitoring constitutes reasonable security versus overreach. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/where-vandals-cant-reach-flock-safetys-future-is-full-of-spying-drones/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._