Developed by MIT, this new technology will use radars to detect guns and explosives under clothing and in baggage. The images created are then compared to a whole armory of weapons to identify the object.

Liberty Defense, the company who will bring this new technology to market, describes the technology as an “attack prevention system”. People that are carrying guns and explosives will not be allowed to enter buildings, which is a step further than the usual search processes that are typically in place at large events.

If the technology is successful, it could be on the open market in 2019. Criminals like the Las Vegas Shooter and the Bomber at the Arianna Grande Concert could be detected before they enter hotels and arenas. This could potentially save countless lives and also save these businesses millions of pounds in repairs and lawsuits.

Las Vegas

The system is likely to cost between $50,000 and $100,000 per entrance (£39,000 - £77,000). It will be hidden in doorways and furniture and scan people as they enter, without their knowledge. The company will have to design systems to communicate with local authorities so they can act quickly on the information provided.

This technology brings us to all of the usual questions about privacy and consent. If the sensors are disguised in furniture and doorways, those entering the building have not consented to the scans. Is it worth it to prevent the loss of hundreds of lives?


Can we quantify what a life is worth? Is it worth our privacy? Is it worth this extra scan?
Recently, we were queuing at security at Manchester airport, the part where they scan your hand luggage. I am always stopped. Always. Usually, I have forgotten that I’ve got a small sun cream or similar in my bag and then I have to wait as someone rifles through it to identify the offending object.

The man searching my bag apologized for taking so long, my response was “Don’t worry about it, I would rather you be thorough. It makes me feel safer,”.


Do you feel the same? Would you rather be checked, even if that means losing some of your privacy than go unchecked and never truly be sure of your safety?

Terror attacks have, sadly, become a part of our everyday life. Someone somewhere is always committing a heinous crime. Should we get used to these protective measures too? The key word is “protective”, surely you aren’t in any trouble if you aren’t carrying anything illegal.
What do you think? Is it worth it?

With budgets being cut around the country, and money being squeezed out of our police force and our hospitals, would you be happy with the Government splashing out £39,000 to put security on one door?