Apparatus for controlling use of a firearm

A firearm security mechanism for use with a firearm to prevent use of the firearm by an unauthorized user comprising:

• a firing mechanism located on the firearm, said firing mechanism including a trigger that operates to discharge the firearm;
• a latch mechanism located on the firearm, said latch mechanism including a locking member, said locking member movable between a first position wherein said firing mechanism is locked to prevent discharge of the firearm and a second position wherein said firing mechanism is unlocked such that the firearm can be discharged;
• a scanning unit, said scanning unit located on the firearm and operable to scan a user's eye for unique characteristics used to identify the user, said scanning unit operative to generate an output signal based on data obtained by said scanning unit;
• a memory storage device, said memory storage device capable of storing data relating to an authorized user's unique eye characteristics;
• a central processing unit operative to receive said output signal and compare said output signal to said data stored in said memory storage device, said central processing unit operative to send a signal to said latch mechanism to urge said latch mechanism to said second, unlocked position enabling discharge of the firearm when said output signal from said scanning unit matches the data of an authorized user stored in said memory storage device.