Can a network of cameras and sensors actually solve the problem of crime?
In short: Garrett Langley argues that modern surveillance technology, including license plate readers and audio sensors, is essential for public safety. This talk explores the tension between effective crime investigation and the preservation of individual privacy in the United States.
Garrett Langley, founder of Flock, developed a surveillance ecosystem comprising license plate readers, cameras, drones, and audio sensors to address the ease with which crimes are committed in the United States. His approach seeks to transform how police departments conduct investigations, though the deployment of such widespread monitoring remains a subject of significant public debate.
Recorded at TED2026 on April 14, 2026, the presentation examines the controversy surrounding these tools. Langley defends the necessity of this technology for enhancing safety, while the discussion also includes a Q&A session with TED Chairman Chris Anderson and insights from curator Bilawal Sidhu.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Can a Camera on Every Corner Make Us Safer? | Garrett Langley | TED
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