HomeTechnologyPolygraphs have major flaws. Are there better options?

Polygraphs have major flaws. Are there better options?

TechnologyMarch 30, 2026
1 min read
Polygraphs have major flaws. Are there better options?
Research proceeds on alternatives, but some doubt whether true lie detection is possible.

When George W. Maschke applied to work for the FBI in 1994, he had already held a security clearance for over 11 years. The government had deemed him trustworthy through his career in the Army. But soon, a machine and a man would not come to the same conclusion.

His application to be a special agent had passed initial muster. And so, in the spring of 1995, according to his account, he found himself sitting across from an FBI polygraph examiner, answering questions about his life and loyalties.

He told the truth, he said in an interview with Undark. But in a blog post on his website, he recalled the examiner told him that the polygraph machine—which measured some of Maschke’s physiological responses—indicated that he was being deceptive about keeping classified information secret, and about his contacts with foreign intelligence agencies.

Read full article

Comments

Source: Ars Technica

Share this article

Related Articles

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux
2026Apr 03

I saved a doomed Windows laptop by embracing Linux

Two weeks ago I set aside my M4 MacBook Air and picked up a nine-year-old ThinkPad. It's one of an estimated 200 to 400 million Windows 10 PCs that don't meet Microsoft's requirements for Windows 11.

Article1 min read
Read More
NASA did eventually solve Artemis II’s Outlook glitch
2026Apr 03

NASA did eventually solve Artemis II’s Outlook glitch

On Thursday, during Artemis II's journey to the Moon, commander Reid Wiseman ran into a tech issue some of us back on Earth can relate to: Microsoft Outlook wasn't working. In a conversation captured

Article1 min read
Read More