Flock Safety, a US-based artificial intelligence surveillance startup, plans to lay off around 270 employees as opposition to its camera network grows. The job cuts will affect about 18% of its 1,500-strong workforce, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.
The employees are expected to leave at the end of October, following a voluntary separation programme launched in September. The sources requested anonymity because the company has not publicly announced the decision. Flock Safety declined to comment.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Atlanta, Flock Safety develops AI-powered cameras and software that automatically read vehicle licence plates. Its network includes approximately 120,000 cameras installed on streets and highways across 49 US states.
The company supplies surveillance technology to more than 4,800 law enforcement agencies and nearly 1,000 businesses. It says its products help authorities investigate crimes and improve public safety. However, privacy advocates and lawmakers have raised concerns about how agencies access, share and use the collected data.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll highlights the growing divide over the technology. About 47% of Americans opposed deploying Flock cameras in their communities, while 38% supported their use.
Government action and customer concerns have added to the company's challenges. In September, Florida banned automated licence-plate readers from state highways, citing privacy risks associated with the technology.
Despite the backlash, Flock Safety attracted substantial venture capital. The company has raised more than USD 950 million from investors. In March 2026, it secured USD 275 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, which valued the startup at USD 7.5 billion.
Home Depot investors also called for reviews of the retailer's partnerships with surveillance technology providers. The demand followed reports that Flock's data had been used in immigration enforcement.
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