Fighting to be trustworthy to AI and humans

1. Flock Safety faces a public relations crisis

• Flock Safety is facing mounting public backlash over its AI-powered license plate readers. With more than 120,000 Flock cameras across the U.S., many citizens argue that the technology enables constant surveillance and threatens civil liberties.
  
  
• Police in several communities have reportedly used the systems for personal reasons, prompting investigations and scrutiny.
  
  
• Although Flock Safety responded with new safeguards, public trust will be hard for the company to win without a strong crisis communication plan.
  
  

2. AI search changes how brands build trust

• According to Forbes, answer engine optimization is replacing traditional search engine optimization in the brand trust equation. Consumers increasingly ask generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for information about brands and products.
  
  
• AI systems can surface outdated or incorrect information when a brand lacks clear, consistent messaging. This can give competitors or third-party sources power over a brand's narrative.
  
  
• Authority-building PR and earned media must become a top priority for brands wanting to improve what AI says about them.
  
  

3. 60-second close: Trust requires proactive PR

• The Flock backlash and impact of AI search tell the same story: Companies don't control their reputation just because they control their messaging.
  
  
• Brands must earn trust before a crisis. This takes credible earned media coverage, proactive communications, and strategic brand positioning.
  
  
• In the era of extreme scrutiny and AI search, you need a PR partner you can trust to protect your reputation. That’s where Axia Public Relations comes in. Ask me how we can assist you.

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