Recently, an artificial intelligence startup called Flock Safety has attracted widespread attention. Its CEO, Garrett Langley, claims that with the surveillance cameras deployed across the United States, Flock Safety can eradicate crime in the US by 2035. The company, founded in 2017, has already deployed over 80,000 "smart" cameras nationwide, and its valuation has reached $7.5 billion.
Image source note: The image is AI-generated, and the image licensing service is Midjourney.
Flock Safety's surveillance network is continuously expanding. Recently, it introduced American-made surveillance drones and began deploying them to police departments in August. Langley's business model involves providing continuous monitoring services to police departments, businesses, and individual homeowners, aiming to achieve the goal of a "crime-free city." He firmly believes that through technological means, crime rates can be significantly reduced while protecting civil liberties.
Compared to other surveillance companies, Flock Safety's appeal lies in its extensive network of partnerships. The company has established collaborations with companies such as FedEx and Lowe's, as well as schools and property management companies, allowing local law enforcement to utilize these companies' surveillance facilities. Flock addresses a long-standing problem in US law enforcement — although CCTV cameras are everywhere, obtaining and organizing surveillance footage has been challenging due to the privatization and fragmentation of camera ownership.
Flock Safety has currently formed partnerships with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies and 1,000 private companies. According to information on Flock's official website, from affluent residential neighborhoods to quiet towns, and even high-end companies facing organized crime, Flock seems to be able to provide solutions for all social issues.
However, critics point out that a centralized surveillance system in the US may have negative impacts on minority and immigrant communities, which already make up the majority of the prison population in the US. Langley, however, is unfazed. He stated, "Building a product that truly changes people's lives will inevitably make many people unhappy, because what we do is indeed significant."
Key Points:
1. 📈 Flock Safety aims to eliminate crime in the US through surveillance technology by 2035.
2. 📹 The company has deployed over 80,000 smart surveillance cameras nationwide and has partnered with more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies.
3. 🚨 Critics are concerned that centralized surveillance may negatively impact minority and immigrant communities, but Flock's CEO remains fearless.
