Benn Jordan on Flock Safety, Privacy, and the New Surveillance Backlash

Today, we delve into the work of Benn Jordan, a multifaceted individual known as a musician, YouTuber, researcher, and investigative journalist. While many recognize Jordan for his extensive discography of experimental music spanning decades, he has recently emerged as a prominent figure in the creator and media spheres due to his rigorous investigation into Flock Safety. Flock Safety is a leading manufacturer of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and the sophisticated software that powers them. Jordan's in-depth research culminated in his recent testimony before Congress, specifically at a hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism. This hearing was dedicated to Flock and other ALPR systems, marking a significant moment in what has been months of escalating criticism and bipartisan backlash against the company. This pushback mirrors the growing concerns surrounding AI data centers. The consequences for Flock Safety have been substantial. Hundreds of cities, counties, and local governments have initiated the cancellation of their contracts. Furthermore, the company is now under investigation by Republican Senator Josh Hawley. Adding to its woes, Reuters recently reported that Flock plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 18 percent. Our discussion with Benn Jordan explores these developments, not only because of his instrumental role in bringing these issues to light but also because he has become, in many respects, the public face of a new front in the broader debate concerning surveillance and privacy. Jordan emphasizes that his stance is not one of outright animosity towards Flock as a company. Instead, he views their approach to critics as a "colossal PR failure," which made them an easy target while competitors like Axon and Motorola quietly develop similar surveillance networks. Interestingly, Jordan now engages directly with Flock, including its CEO Garrett Langley, and proactively reports security vulnerabilities to the company when discovered. (It's worth noting that Flock’s CEO, Garrett Langley, has also been invited to participate in our show.)