Flock CEO Garrett Langley said the company's gunshot detection microphones detect "just gunshots," but Flock's website describes a broader set of ambient sounds the audio systems can pick up.
Speaking on stage at TechCrunch Disrupt, Langley defended Flock's Gunshot Detection product, which listens for gunshots and other ambient audio across nearby neighbourhoods. When asked about the contradiction between his remarks and the company's marketing materials, he responded: "It's just gunshots."
Flock's website says the audio systems can pinpoint gunfire instantly while also detecting street takeovers early and identifying severe crashes in real time. It also says they can provide alerts for car crashes, fireworks and sideshows. An FAQ section notes that "in addition to gunshots, Flock Gunshot and Audio Detection can detect fireworks, sideshows, and other disruptive community events."
Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel said the technology is primarily used to detect gunfire but is also capable of detecting fireworks, sideshows and potential car crashes. Lewbel said Langley's remarks were intended to emphasise that the audio detection technology is not designed to monitor conversations or analyse speech and does not currently detect human screaming or distress.
Langley's comments come amid mounting scrutiny of Flock from privacy advocates, including the ACLU, and members of the public concerned about misuse of its technology. Texas and Florida have moved to end their relationships with Flock, and Amazon's Ring has ended its partnership with the company.