Security Company to Install Gun-Detecting AI in Mosques Worldwide

Its algorithm can identify threats and then contact the authorities.

Security Upgrade

In March, a gunman attacked the Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 worshippers in the process.

Now, the Qatar-based company Al-Ameri International Trading has teamed up with several Islamic charities and foundations to improve mosque security by financing the installation of an AI-powered gun detection system at the New Zealand mosque and others across the globe — a move that could protect houses of worship from deadly terrorist attacks.

Unspeakable Tragedy

The project is called the Keep Mosques Safe initiative, and the security system is the work of Athena Security.

According to Athena's website, its computer vision algorithm is able to identify in real-time objects typically used to commit crimes, including guns. The system can then alert a designated human of the threat or even reach out to law enforcement directly, providing them with a real-time video feed of the threat.

"The mass shooting at the Al-Noor Mosque was an unspeakable tragedy that no community should have to suffer," Athena Security co-founder Lisa Falzone said in a press release. "The Keep Mosques Safe initiative is an important step in giving mosques the tools to better protect themselves from extremist individuals that wish to do them harm, so we can help prevent horrific events like this in the future."

READ MORE: Christchurch mosque to install AI vision to detect active shooters [ZDNet]

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