Flock CEO Says 25,000-Mic System Detects Only Gunshots as Website Lists Crashes and Fireworks
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Oct 14
Flock CEO Says 25,000-Mic System Detects Only Gunshots as Website Lists Crashes and Fireworks
3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Oct 14
Summary
Garrett Langley told TechCrunch Disrupt that Flock’s Gunshot Detection now listens for “just gunshots,” saying the company dropped earlier experiments with distress detection after customer and privacy backlash.
Flock’s own website contradicts that claim, advertising alerts for car crashes, fireworks, sideshows and other “disruptive community events,” while a spokesperson said the system is primarily for gunfire but can detect those sounds.
The dispute revives criticism that began when Flock launched the product last year and said it could listen for “screaming,” later revising that to “sounds of human distress” before removing the feature from pilot customers.
Scrutiny is widening beyond the product pitch: protesters demonstrated outside the San Francisco event, privacy groups including the ACLU have targeted Flock, and Texas, Florida and Amazon’s Ring have all cut ties with the company.