Since 9/11, governments have been on high alert. Terrorists are constantly on the lookout for new ways to cause damage, and all it takes is one misstep to change everything. That’s why many governments are developing new technologies that can detect those who pose a threat.
One such technology is facial recognition software, which converts images of faces into a code that can then be matched against databases containing other known people or images of faces of known people.
This technology has been in use by various covert agencies and law enforcement around the world for years, but now there’s talk about bringing this software into public use as well – even though it raises serious privacy concerns.
(Image Source: Grand View Research)
Facial recognition software is nothing new. The technology has been around for decades and was actually used by the FBI in 2001 to help identify victims of the World Trade Center attacks.
However, in recent years, facial-recognition software has become much more accurate and useful than it was in the past.
The most common way it’s used today is by comparing images of faces to groups or databases of photos from known persons.
This can be done by simply taking a photo of any person walking down the street and matching it against databases with known photos that may belong to people with criminal backgrounds.
Facial recognition is also used in public places, such as airports. Recently, facial-recognition software has been developed so that it can identify people who have passed through the scanner.
This technology is currently being tested at several airports in the U.S., and those that are testing it claim that the technology has a vice of accuracy of 97 percent or better.
However, this accuracy comes with a price: privacy concerns. If a video or photo of someone’s face were to be used for facial recognition purposes, then this person’s identity and location would be recorded forever via their facial features – a move no citizen would want to make without knowing exactly why.
Now, authorities are looking into ways to use the technology without invading people’s privacy. Some programs, such as those being tested in airports, work by using a combination of techniques.
For example, they may use facial recognition to check against photos of known criminals and then humans to compare these photos with the faces that walk through the scanner.
Authorities claim that this way, they can reduce each person’s privacy invasion as much as possible and still scan for people who might be dangerous. However, most people are still unaware of how far governments can take facial-recognition technology and what this means for their privacy.
The government may claim that it’s only using this technology against people who are already wanted by the law. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to confirm this claim.
If facial-recognition software is being used in public places, such as airports, then anyone can be caught on camera and scanned. Most people do not know that the photos taken at airports can be used for multiple things, including facial recognition files.
Given the fact that the technology is still in its early stages, we have to wait and watch how well authorities use it. If they abuse this technology, what will be their next step? Will there be a way to prevent facial-recognition software from being used against citizens? Only time will tell.
Facial recognition in today’s everyday world can be seen on smartphones and devices. Devices like the iPhone and also android devices thanks to 12 megapixels front and rear cameras. Facial recognition software is being integrated into device’s cameras to allow users to unlock their devices.
Facial recognition in action can be used in casinos, airports and any place where security is needed. In casinos, facial recognition is used to identify players at the tables and not allow anyone who’s not allowed on casino grounds into a specific gaming area.
This technique has been proven to save money for casinos by preventing known cheaters from entering areas where they would normally win and then show off their gains in the other areas of the casino such as restaurants, and bars.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what facial recognition is and how it works lets take a look at its impact on the future. Facial recognition will change our everyday lives in many different ways.
Governmental applications of facial recognition software will be used to determine who should and shouldn’t be allowed into certain facilities.
This could happen in the airports, sporting events, or anywhere one might have to go through metal detectors and security checkpoints.
Facial recognition can also be used for policing public areas such as parks, malls, and the public. This means that anyone caught breaking the law or abusing park rules would be subject to arrest via facial recognition thrown up against a database for known offenders.
If the facial representation matches then an officer can issue a ticket or make an arrest on-site if needed