While Washington legislators try to figure out how to enact policy to reduce the growing number of mass shootings, technologists are looking for alternative solutions. A group of investors led by Ron Conway has formed the Technical Committee to Reduce Gun Violence. “Smart guns” that can only be fired by their owners is one option the Committee is looking at. While the concept makes sense, its reliability has been questioned. Technological advancements in biometrics and RFID (radio-frequency identification) have made the concept more viable, but like any other technology that has the potential to impact an individual’s safety, it may be a while until we see this widely available.
Meanwhile, technology could be working at cross purposes with gun-control efforts, as 3D printing could enable people to “print” their own guns.
