Weapon startup turns to facial ID to reduce chances of accidental firing

How does a facial ID smart gun work?

In the case of BioFire's weapon, the smart gun uses facial identification, much like how smartphones do these days, to unlock the gun and allow the bullet to be fired. Alternatively, the gun can also turn to fingerprint reading for confirmation, further reducing the chances of gun grabs from police officials or accidental shootings by children, or even preventing the use of a stolen gun.

The standard model of the smart gun, priced at $1,499, is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2024. Gun enthusiasts are not really convinced that the addition of such technology is fail-safe. How does one ensure that the technology does not become a hurdle to self-defense during times of dire need?

Although a fair point, it is not one that is really troubling the U.S. right now. There have been 160 mass shootings in the U.S. since 2023 began. Each of the past three years has seen a total of 600 mass shootings, roughly two per day. Data shows that more than fifty people are killed by a firearm in the U.S. each day, the BBC reported.

These deaths are not a result of unintentional or accidental firing. These are largely caused by individuals who choose to pick up a gun and shoot at people, whether on their own property or in a public place like a school or music festival, killing scores of people. No high-end technology can put an end to these violent acts.

What the U.S. needs are stricter gun control laws, which 57 percent of the population supports, and a reduction in the number of firearms available in the country. A Small Arms Survey conducted in 2018 found that the U.S. tops the global list of civilian gun owners, with 120 firearms available for 100 residents. Yemen ranks second on the list with estimates of 52 firearms for the same population of 100 people, less than half when compared to the U.S.