Evolv Technology, a US company specializing in AI weapons scanners, has reached a proposed settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after being accused of making unsupported claims about its products' ability to detect all weapons. The FTC's action follows BBC investigations revealing the scanners' unreliability in detecting guns and bombs, despite Evolv's claims. The settlement, which awaits judicial approval, will prohibit Evolv from making unsubstantiated claims and allow some school customers to cancel contracts. This case highlights growing concerns over exaggerated AI capabilities in product marketing.
Mayor Eric Adams has introduced a pilot program to deploy freestanding scanners in the NYC subway system to detect guns, using Evolv Technology's weapons detection system at the Fulton Street Subway Station. This initiative follows recent concerns about subway safety and a shooting incident. The program aims to assess the impact on commuter flow and enhance security measures in response to rising gun-related incidents in the subway system.
TD Garden in Boston debuted AI-based security screening technology from Waltham-based Evolv Technology, coinciding with a new bag policy that limits attendees to small bags. Exceptions are made for specific items, and fans with non-compliant bags will be directed to check their items for a fee. The policy sparked criticism on social media due to its impracticality, with officials citing the change as a response to implementing Evolv's security screening equipment, which uses sensors and AI to detect concealed weapons without requiring fans to empty their pockets or bags.
Public venues such as sports stadiums and schools are adopting AI-powered security systems to enhance safety and efficiency. Evolv Technology offers screening systems that use magnetic fields and AI to detect potentially dangerous items, reducing the need for manual searches. The system does not rely on facial recognition and focuses on identifying objects rather than individuals. By implementing these AI systems, venues can free up human security personnel for other tasks and improve the overall security experience for visitors.
A student was stabbed with a knife at a school in New York despite the installation of a $3.7m AI weapons detection system by security firm Evolv Technology. The system, which is used in hundreds of US schools, failed to detect the knife used in the attack. An investigation found that the system was not designed to detect knives. The company has previously claimed that its system can detect knives, but testing has shown that it is not reliable in detecting large knives. The school district has replaced the system with metal detectors, but it remains in use in other schools.
