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The FTC cracks down on Evolv Technologies for deceptive marketing of AI-powered security scanners, impacting schools and other public venues.
Evolv Technologies Accused of Misleading AI Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against Evolv Technologies, alleging that the Massachusetts-based company made false and misleading claims about its AI-powered security screening systems, particularly in schools. The company, known for its Evolv Express scanners, has been accused of overstating the system’s ability to detect weapons, minimize false alarms, and outperform traditional metal detectors.
Evolv’s scanners are widely used in over 800 schools across 40 states, as well as in sports stadiums and hospitals. According to the FTC complaint, the company claimed its products could reliably detect all weapons while ignoring harmless items, such as laptops or water bottles, without the need for visitors to empty their pockets or bags. However, incidents cited in the complaint, such as a seven-inch knife going undetected in a school in 2022, have undermined these claims. This particular oversight resulted in a stabbing incident, prompting schools to increase scanner sensitivity, which led to a 50% false alarm rate.
In addition, the FTC highlighted Evolv’s shift in 2023 to a more sensitive scanner setting, which still failed to detect certain weapons and required schools to invest in additional measures, such as conveyor belts and manual screening. This move, the FTC alleges, brought Evolv’s systems closer to traditional metal detectors, undermining its claims of being a more advanced and cost-effective alternative.
Settlement Requires Contract Cancellations and Marketing Restrictions
Under a proposed FTC settlement, Evolv Technologies must allow certain K-12 schools to opt out of contracts signed between April 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. The settlement also prohibits the company from making unsupported claims about its products’ capabilities, including:
- The ability to detect weapons or ignore harmless items without manual intervention.
- Comparisons of accuracy and efficiency to traditional metal detectors.
- Claims regarding reduced labor costs and faster visitor screening times.
- The validity of testing or the performance of its AI algorithms.
FTC Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection Samuel Levine emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for unverified AI claims, especially when safety is at stake. “If you make those claims without adequate support, you can expect to hear from the FTC,” Levine said. This enforcement aligns with the FTC’s broader initiative, Operation AI Comply, which targets deceptive marketing involving artificial intelligence.
Broader Implications for AI Oversight
The case against Evolv marks another step in the FTC’s efforts to ensure accountability in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. By scrutinizing exaggerated claims, the agency aims to protect consumers and foster genuine innovation. Evolv’s settlement follows a series of FTC actions this year targeting similar deceptive practices in AI marketing.
The complaint and proposed order were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and await approval by a federal judge. If approved, the settlement will have the force of law.
Consumers and organizations are encouraged to stay vigilant about claims involving AI technologies. Reports of fraud or deceptive practices can be made at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, while updates on FTC enforcement actions are available at consumer.ftc.gov.
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