Photo Credit: The Colorado Sun
Is a ‘smart gun’ the solution to crime prevention – a tool that both gun rights and gun control advocates can agree on? A solution that doesn’t violate our 2nd Amendment right to self-defense yet is a safe and secure way so that those who’d cause harm have limited access? Or will it lead us down a dark path towards further government control?
I first came across the concept of a ‘smart gun’ in the film Skyfall. I found the concept of a firearm only operating with the registered owner’s fingerprint to not only be fascinating if it became a reality but also a potential solution that both gun rights and gun control advocates can agree on.
Recently, I came across an NBC News article regarding the first biometric ‘smart gun’ that’s set to be released in the coming month by Biofire. According to the article, “[Biofire] is shipping its first batch of 9mm handguns equipped with fingerprint and facial-recognition technology by the end of the month. The company’s smart gun is designed to serve a very specific purpose: a weapon that can be quickly accessed to defend against a home intruder, but that can’t be used by anyone unauthorized, particularly children.” The price of the handgun is approximately $1,499.
As a laissez-faire capitalist, I’m all for using innovation to solve problems. I believe that it’s one of the many aspects that has made the United States unique. However, I have some concerns about this piece of technology as I’ve re-evaluated my views over the years. Even with good intentions, like with electric vehicles (EV), I can see this piece of technology ultimately leading to further government control and tyranny. While Biofire “opposes any government mandates to require biometric features in guns”, I remain skeptical and see the technology as a Trojan horse for gun control. What’s to stop the manufacturer or the government from pressing a button to shut off access to the firearm? On another note, what would happen if there’s an EMP burst? Furthermore, what if the authorized user has sweat, blood or water on their hands? What about gloves? Would these things hinder the gun’s biometric capabilities? One of the tools that I use in my security profession requires facial-recognition to login; however, even if the background isn’t the same as when your login is initially set up, the system will lock you out. With that said, would it be the same with a ‘smart gun’? Any of these worst-case scenarios would leave citizens defenseless!
What are your thoughts? Is a ‘smart gun’ an innovative way to minimize unauthorized access to firearms? Or, like electric vehicles, do you see it as a Trojan horse that’ll lead to additional government control? Personally, as a firearms instructor and security professional, why would I trust an object that requires a battery to keep my life – and the lives of my family – safe? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
