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The U.S. Department of Justice has just granted the world's top handgun maker, Smith & Wesson, a grant of $1.8 million dollars.
The money is to go towards the development costs of a 'smart gun' which will ensure that only the gun owner will be allowed to fire the weapon.
Currently one version of the 'smart gun' operates by emitting a radio signal that is received by a small transpoder worn no the authorized users wrist which returns a coded radio signal. Once the gun receives the signal a locking pin is removed from the trigger mechanism which enables the gun to be fired.
Most of the $1.8 million will be used toward developing 'fingerprint technologies'. Smith & Wesson said it wil use the money to further research into fingerprint-matching technology and an electronic firing system to prevent people besides the gun owner from discharging the firearm.
Critics of the grant claimed such developments infringed the rights of gun owners.
Proponents are praising Smith & Wesson for their courage.
What do you think?
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