The Facts
One of the world's first commercially-available smart guns, operating on facial recognition and a fingerprint unlocking system, has officially hit the US market, with pre-orders of the first version expected to be filled by Q4 of this year.
The $1,499 9mm handgun — announced earlier this month — is reportedly designed for home defense, and per Colorado-based gun-making firm Biofire Tech, it can prevent accidental shootings, reduce firearm suicides, and render lost or stolen guns useless.
The Spin
Narrative A
Smart guns are unreliable and hackable and would likely fail when needed for self-defense at a moment's notice. The latest battery-powered innovation twice failed to fire during recent demonstrations. Moreover, the wide release of smart guns could set off a new arms race among manufacturers eager to cash in on a gun-addicted nation and usher in a renewed debate over additional firearm legislation.
Narrative B
There are no complete solutions, but this innovative technology will benefit responsible gun owners. The smart gun can improve gun safety in the US by significantly reducing accidental shootings at home and preventing unauthorized people, such as kids and criminals, from firing it.
Cynical narrative
Smart guns are part of a government scheme to suppress firearm ownership and ban traditional guns. The so-called safer gun may not just allow law enforcement to track or jam the weapon; it could severely impact personal privacy and drive up the cost of a simple handgun purchase exponentially.