Watch Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley discuss the future of surveillance at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Garrett Langley, the founder and CEO of Flock Safety, is set to take the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to discuss the future of surveillance, a topic that has sparked intense debate in recent years, with over 70% of Americans expressing concern about the impact of surveillance on their personal privacy. The discussion around surveillance is crucial for readers as it affects not only their personal lives but also the way they interact with technology, with a staggering 90% of online users admitting to being tracked by companies and governments. Flock Safety has been at the forefront of this debate, providing license plate reading technology to law enforcement agencies, which has led to a significant reduction in crime rates, with some cities reporting a decrease of up to 40% in burglaries. What to Expect From the Discussion The upcoming discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will undoubtedly delve into the complexities of surveillance and its implications on society, with Langley expected to share insights on how Flock Safety is working to balance public safety with individual privacy, citing examples such as the company's work with the city of Atlanta, where crime rates have decreased by 25% since implementing the technology. The Future of Surveillance As technology continues to advance, the line between public safety and personal privacy is becoming increasingly blurred, with the global surveillance market projected to reach $170 billion by 2025, and Langley's discussion is expected to explore the potential consequences of this trend, including the potential for misuse of surveillance data. Challenges and Opportunities The use of surveillance technology raises significant challenges, including the potential for bias in algorithmic decision-making, which can result in disproportionate targeting of certain communities, with a study by the ACLU finding that surveillance technology is more likely to be used in low-income neighborhoods, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of these technologies. The discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with Langley and explore the complexities of surveillance, with one clear takeaway being that the future of surveillance will require a delicate balance between public safety and individual privacy, with companies like Flock Safety playing a crucial role in shaping this future, and the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and civil society to ensure that surveillance technologies are developed and used in ways that respect human rights and promote social justice.