New York City authorities are increasing security, turning citizens into"guinea pigs".
New York City authorities are testing an AI system that can detect firearms. According to the plan, special scanners will be installed on the turnstiles of metro stations as part of a new initiative to improve the safety of citizens.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has entered into a partnership agreement with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based company that develops similar technologies. Its scanners, equipped with powerful sensors, are already used in schools, stadiums and cultural sites across the country.
In 2022, after a shooting incident in a subway car in Brooklyn, Adams temporarily installed an Evolv scanner at the entrance to City Hall. In the same year, city officials conducted a similar pilot project using Evolv scanners at a Bronx hospital after a man was injured in the waiting room of the emergency department.
The mayor made his announcement a week after a confrontation at a Brooklyn subway station in which a man who pointed a gun at another passenger was injured himself.
The pilot program starts in 90 days. The deadline is due to the requirements of the POST Act, according to which the New York Police Department is required to disclose information about all surveillance technologies used. In addition, before implementing new systems, it is necessary to publish reports that assess their impact and usage patterns. During this period, the city authorities will also review other available solutions from various vendors.
Evolv scanners look like conventional metal detectors, but are equipped with advanced sensors and threat detection software. The manufacturer claims that their system is able to identify almost any type of weapon-from firearms to improvised explosive devices.
However, the effectiveness of the technology is questionable. According to a number of sources, scanners often mistake harmless objects, such as umbrellas or lunchboxes, for dangerous ones. There were cases when real firearms went unnoticed.
Recently, the activities of Evolv have attracted close attention of the supervisory authorities. The Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States have launched an investigation to find out whether the company misrepresents data on the effectiveness of developments. Moreover, a group of investors filed a class-action lawsuit against Evolv. According to the charges, the developers deliberately mislead the public, customers and shareholders about the real capabilities of their products.
Despite mounting criticism, New York City officials continue to insist that modern technology is essential to bolster the city's security. According to Mayor Adams, such a system will prevent tragedies.
"If people do not feel safe, then we are not fulfilling our task, "the mayor said." Statistics do not matter if citizens still feel vulnerable."
The decision to test Evolv scanners also provoked a negative reaction from human rights organizations. In their opinion, the project violates the freedom of citizens, effectively turning them into "guinea pigs" for testing questionable surveillance systems.
New York City authorities are testing an AI system that can detect firearms. According to the plan, special scanners will be installed on the turnstiles of metro stations as part of a new initiative to improve the safety of citizens.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, New York City has entered into a partnership agreement with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based company that develops similar technologies. Its scanners, equipped with powerful sensors, are already used in schools, stadiums and cultural sites across the country.
In 2022, after a shooting incident in a subway car in Brooklyn, Adams temporarily installed an Evolv scanner at the entrance to City Hall. In the same year, city officials conducted a similar pilot project using Evolv scanners at a Bronx hospital after a man was injured in the waiting room of the emergency department.
The mayor made his announcement a week after a confrontation at a Brooklyn subway station in which a man who pointed a gun at another passenger was injured himself.
The pilot program starts in 90 days. The deadline is due to the requirements of the POST Act, according to which the New York Police Department is required to disclose information about all surveillance technologies used. In addition, before implementing new systems, it is necessary to publish reports that assess their impact and usage patterns. During this period, the city authorities will also review other available solutions from various vendors.
Evolv scanners look like conventional metal detectors, but are equipped with advanced sensors and threat detection software. The manufacturer claims that their system is able to identify almost any type of weapon-from firearms to improvised explosive devices.
However, the effectiveness of the technology is questionable. According to a number of sources, scanners often mistake harmless objects, such as umbrellas or lunchboxes, for dangerous ones. There were cases when real firearms went unnoticed.
Recently, the activities of Evolv have attracted close attention of the supervisory authorities. The Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States have launched an investigation to find out whether the company misrepresents data on the effectiveness of developments. Moreover, a group of investors filed a class-action lawsuit against Evolv. According to the charges, the developers deliberately mislead the public, customers and shareholders about the real capabilities of their products.
Despite mounting criticism, New York City officials continue to insist that modern technology is essential to bolster the city's security. According to Mayor Adams, such a system will prevent tragedies.
"If people do not feel safe, then we are not fulfilling our task, "the mayor said." Statistics do not matter if citizens still feel vulnerable."
The decision to test Evolv scanners also provoked a negative reaction from human rights organizations. In their opinion, the project violates the freedom of citizens, effectively turning them into "guinea pigs" for testing questionable surveillance systems.
