Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt as protesters gathered outside, Flock CEO Garrett Langley argued that if society wants criminals held accountable, "we shouldn't pause progress," and compared the trade-offs to driverless cars. TechCrunch reports he deflected questions about the backlash that has cost Flock contracts and led to layoffs.

Langley also said Flock's gunshot-detection microphones detect "just gunshots." Flock's website says the audio product can also detect street takeovers, severe crashes, fireworks and sideshows, and when the feature launched the company said it would listen for "screaming" before changing that to "sounds of human distress" and later pulling distress detection.