NYC launches a 90-day pilot to test Evolv's AI-based gun detectors on the subway; Evolv is facing two government probes and scrutiny over its machines' accuracy

Evolv, the company supplying the scanners, is being investigated by both the FTC and SEC.

The Verge 2024-03-29 Gaby Del Valle

Context & Ripple Effects

The pilot extends the MTA’s prior use of AI surveillance to identify fare evasion at subway stations, moving AI further into day-to-day security operations. It also gives Evolv a prominent public-transit test while its accuracy claims face FTC and SEC scrutiny.

Subsequent reporting said Evolv’s system reached NYC stations despite the company saying it was not designed for that setting, and the FTC inquiry later ended in an agreement over alleged claims about weapons screening. That sequence makes deployment fit-for-purpose and vendor claims central questions, not implementation details.

First-order effects

NYC and the MTA gain a 90-day operational test of Evolv’s screening equipment in a high-throughput transit environment; riders and station staff are immediately exposed to a new security-screening layer.
Evolv gains a consequential government deployment reference, but the pilot puts the company’s accuracy and product-positioning claims under sharper scrutiny amid the FTC and SEC probes.

Second-order effects

Transit agencies considering comparable systems will have to weigh operational performance alongside the vendor’s regulatory exposure, rather than treating a pilot as a purely technical procurement decision.
The city’s existing use of AI to identify fare evasion shows how separate surveillance tools can accumulate into a broader station-security stack, raising pressure for clear boundaries between their uses.

Third-order effects

If public-transit agencies continue adopting AI screening, procurement and oversight will increasingly turn on evidence that tools work in the precise environment where they are deployed—an issue highlighted by reporting that the system was not designed for the subway setting.
Regulatory resolutions such as Evolv’s later FTC agreement over alleged weapons-screening claims may make substantiation of performance marketing a durable condition of public-safety AI sales.

The trend: This is one instance of public-safety AI shifting from isolated pilots toward government-gated deployments where real-world validation and claims accountability determine adoption.

Discussion

@saralsirota Sara Sirota on x
NYPD is falling for Evolv's marketing on its questionable weapons detection technology just as, per @KristaKBrown & @kimgeiger's latest reporting, some customers are considering a class action for allegedly making false promises about its effectiveness. https://library.thecapitol…
@fabien_levy Fabien Levy on x
.@NYCMayor and partners announce a 90-day waiting period to test electromagnetic weapons detection systems in the subways, and the hiring of more clinicians for the expansion of efforts to connect people with untreated severe mental illness in the subways to mental health care. […
@andrewsiff4ny Andrew Siff on x
NEW: @NYCMayor announcing a pilot for Evolv gun detection scanners in @NYCTSubway — aimed at reassuring riders. “If they don't feel safe we are not accomplishing our task.” #NBC4NY [image]
@annie_mcdonough Annie McDonough on x
The draft impact and use policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems (like Evolv) is out. Public comment is open for next 45 days, then NYPD takes 45 days to consider and maybe make changes in a final policy. Then they can start using the tech. https://www.nyc.gov/...
@baharostadan Bahar Ostadan on x
NEW: The NYPD is gearing up to pilot metal detectors with artificial intelligence in the subways to keep guns out. “This is our Sputnik moment. Like when Kennedy said we're going to put a man on the moon,” Mayor Adams said just now. [image]
@kristakbrown Krista Brown on x
All for more protection on subways, but this might be the worst and most expensive attempted solution.
@the_transit_guy Hayden Clarkin on x
These metal detectors are a non starter and do nothing to fix the issues.
@gabydvj G A B Y on x
the company behind the AI gun detectors that will soon be on the subway is - under investigation by the SEC - under investigation by the FTC - being sued by investors for alleged securities fraud new york city baby...! the big apple! https://www.theverge.com/...
@nycmayorsoffice @nycmayorsoffice on x
Subways are getting safer, and riders will see even more new protective measures like these weapons scanners. You'll also see more clinicians as part of our mental health support teams focused on New Yorkers in the subway system. WATCH: https://www.fox5ny.com/...
@nycgov @nycgov on x
Subways are getting safer, and we're doing more to keep up the progress: 1⃣ Test new technology to detect weapons 2⃣ Hire clinicians to expand SCOUT, an initiative to help people with serious mental illness find the treatment they need https://www.fox5ny.com/...
@nycmayor Mayor Eric Adams on x
Keeping New Yorkers safe on our subways is key to keeping this the safest big city in America. State of the art weapons detection technology and a $20 million investment in supporting those with severe mental illness will help us make that happen. Learn more about today's... [vid…
@ashagony Ash J on x
Eric Adams “displayed scanners manufactured by Evolv, a Massachusetts-based weapons detection company that is being investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission for allegedly overstating its technology's capabilities.”
@jccoltin Jeff Coltin on x
Spotted yesterday afternoon at Fulton Street: testing of NYPD-branded Evolv weapons detection scanners. Mayor Adams has an announcement there soon, and I expect it's about this: [image]

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