‘Uber for guns’ app Protector lets you hire armed body guards like you would an Uber — but does anyone need this?

Protector is a newly launched app in New York City and Los Angeles offering an 'Uber for guns' service, enabling users to hire armed bodyguards. The app gained traction through strategic marketing, including TikTok videos that garnered millions of views, although they were part of a planned promotional effort rather than organic content.

Despite this aggressive marketing strategy, questions remain about the app's long-term viability, particularly given its high service costs. The app targets business executives concerned about safety, but its potential customer base seems limited. This uncertainty is compounded by competition from other apps like BlackWolf and Citizen.

Protector's marketing strategy is spearheaded by Nikita Bier, known for controversial growth tactics, and it has attracted the interest of investors like Balaji Srinivasan. The app has announced plans to expand into neighborhood surveillance through a new app called 'Patrol,' which raises further concerns about privacy and public trust in law enforcement. As these services evolve, they highlight ongoing tensions between tech innovation and public safety.