AI security company made false claims about weapons-detection system used at Colorado STEM school, FTC says

The FTC Takes Aim at Evolv Technologies Over Misleading AI Security Claims in Schools

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is making waves by taking action against Evolv Technologies, a technology company implicated in misleading consumers regarding its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered security screening systems at a Colorado school—STEM School Highlands Ranch. This school made headlines in 2019 following a tragic shooting incident that resulted in the loss of lives.

In a move to bolster school safety, Douglas County commissioners allocated nearly $1 million in 2023 for a one-year trial of Evolv’s technology. However, these efforts may not have the results they hoped for, as the FTC now questions the validity of Evolv’s advertising claims that its systems can effectively detect weapons using AI and specialized equipment.

Heartfelt Concerns from Parents

John Castillo, a father who lost his son Kendrick in the 2019 shooting, expressed deep reservations about the investment in Evolv Technologies. “The feeling of being safe and actual security are two different things,” he said, voicing his apprehensions about the effectiveness of the AI system. Castillo was skeptical right from the start, advocating instead for traditional security measures like hiring school resource officers and implementing thorough physical screenings.

“Always somebody’s going to be able to go through and check a backpack better than a metal detector,” he added, emphasizing the need for practical solutions in enhancing school safety.

Concerns from Officials

Former Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas also raised alarms about the trial, voicing that the funding allocation seemed shrouded in secrecy among some board members supporting Evolv. “I had real concerns about the technology,” she noted, fearing it could foster a false sense of security for parents and students alike.

FTC Findings and Reactions

According to the FTC, Evolv often claimed that its Evolv Express product could create “weapons-free zones,” boasting about its accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional metal detectors. However, FTC senior staff attorney Michael Atleson pointed out that the company failed to substantiate these claims. The FTC’s complaint highlights an incident where a knife penetrated Evolv’s screening system at a New York school, leading to a stabbing.

As part of the resolution, Evolv Technologies did not admit to any wrongdoing but is now prohibited from making the previously challenged claims about its products until credible evidence can support them. Evolv representatives indicated their commitment to transparency, emphasizing that the recent scrutiny focused on historical marketing rather than questioning the core efficacy of their technology.

Path Forward: Seeking Real Solutions

Amid the controversies, Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon acknowledged the challenges in providing 100% effective safety solutions. Still, he reiterated the community’s commitment to ensuring student safety through layered prevention strategies. Castillo believes the funds should prioritize hiring law enforcement or investing in mental health resources rather than relying solely on technology.

In a recent letter to parents, STEM School Highlands Ranch assured the community that, despite limitations, the Evolv system is still effective at detecting firearms. The letter acknowledged the overpromised capabilities of the AI system but reaffirmed the school’s confidence in its ability to enhance safety.

As the conversation surrounding school safety and the integrity of AI technology continues, the FTC underscores the necessity for transparency in marketing claims. Atleson advises schools and organizations to consult with independent experts to avoid relying solely on technology companies’ pitches when implementing safety measures.