"Controversy Surrounds $4 Billion Car Surveillance Startup's Crime Reduction Claims"

Flock Safety, a $4 billion car surveillance startup, has faced allegations of breaking state laws in multiple states due to unpermitted installations of its AI-powered license plate readers along public roadways. The company's rapid growth has been fueled by its surveillance system, which claims to operate in 4,000 cities across 42 states. Despite its success with law enforcement agencies, Flock has encountered permitting issues and regulatory challenges, leading to bans on new installations in some states and a pause in South Carolina. The company has faced criticism for its approach to permitting and has been accused of bypassing proper channels, but it maintains that it operates within the bounds of the law and is dedicated to addressing any issues.