Flock CEO Falsely Denies Surveillance Tech's Role in Abortion Case to Law Enforcement

CEO's Private Statements Contradict Public Narrative

Flock CEO Garrett Langley made false statements to Ohio law enforcement and government officials regarding his company's surveillance technology. During an August call, Langley denied Flock's role in tracking a woman involved in an abortion case, despite evidence from court records and police reports that document the technology's use.

These private comments, recorded by a journalist, contrast with Langley's recent public relations efforts, which include interviews with major media outlets. The discrepancy highlights a difference between the company's public messaging and internal discussions with government officials.

Disputed Abortion Case Details

Langley specifically called 404 Media's reporting on the Texas abortion case "entirely false." He argued that it is not illegal to have an abortion in Texas, only to administer one, suggesting the woman could not have been under investigation for having an abortion. However, court records obtained by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) indicate that Texas authorities did discuss charging the woman with a crime on the same day a Flock search was performed.

Advice on Media Strategy

During the recorded call, Langley also offered advice to law enforcement officials on how to manage media interactions. He suggested avoiding national outlets and encouraged police to focus on telling "sob stories" to local media. This guidance reveals a strategy for controlling public perception of sensitive cases involving surveillance technology.