From unlocking devices to identifying the perpetrator of a crime, face recognition has become an integral part of our daily lives. It is currently used by many major corporations and government agencies worldwide for security purposes, such as surveillance cameras in airports or police stations. This technology’s future implications will likely have on society can largely be determined by how we choose to use it.
Public Security
The increasing acceptance of facial recognition technology is driving public safety and security applications. This innovative technology has the potential to be a helpful tool in catching criminals by identifying wanted fugitives within crowds, locating captured suspects on surveillance feeds, or spotting them as they enter your country. Face scanning software is already rolling out at airports; with many customs checkpoints using this cutting-edge equipment to help verify travelers’ identities before letting them into their destination countries.
Device Security
Facial recognition technology was originally used to identify and capture criminals, but now it has been adapted for use on mobile devices. Facial recognition technology allows you to unlock your phone or make purchases without having a password.
Preventing Crime
Facial recognition technology reduces shoplifting. It works by scanning each customer’s face and matching it against criminal databases, such that when an individual who has previously stolen goods enters the store. Their photo will pop up on camera screens and retail security staff can be alerted quickly to potential threats.
Purchasing Items
Facial recognition software integrated into checkout machines can reduce staff workloads. Suppose a customer attempts to purchase alcohol or another age-restricted product at self-service checkouts. In that case, their facial features will be scanned and verified with an automated system for age verification.
Marketing
Facial recognition technology is a quick and affordable way for brands to learn how people feel about their products. Market researchers often analyze facial expressions, but this new technique allows them to do so more efficiently at a lower cost. This means that marketers can establish stronger connections with consumers by analyzing faces for emotions like surprise or doubt to market appropriately based on the person’s reaction towards a product.
Social Media
It is straightforward to see who is in your pictures with facial recognition technology. You upload a photo, and the social media platform automatically recognizes any faces that are seen within it. This feature then allows you to tag other people when they appear in photos without having to search through old posts for them manually.
Attendance
Facial recognition technology has the potential to not only make schools safer but also keep track of attendance. Physical attendance sheets are antiquated and can easily be manipulated. With facial recognition technology, students’ attendance can be taken automatically. This technology is even being implemented in workplaces.
Building Entry
Access control using facial recognition technology can be used to identify staff and/or visitors who are on exclusion lists. Individuals on these lists can be restricted entry onto premises. Manually comparing the identity of every visitor/staff to exclusion lists is inefficient and time-consuming.
Financial & Secure Transactions
Face recognition technology helps make transactions more secure by making them difficult to circumvent. Identity theft and credit card fraud is on the rise. For retailers, facial recognition to verify identity and credit card ownership would deter that fraud.