[Gavin Smith] ** Another key issue that increasing use of FRT sets in train is its capacity to render the face into a tool or medium of mass surveillance, an entity that can betray what, who and where you are. This has all manner of implications for our ability to retain a sense of anonymity as we engage in everyday... Continue Reading →
Face wear … the role of FRT in policing what is placed on the face
There has been understandable outcry over recent reports of Iranian authorities planning to use facial recognition technology to enforce a new law requiring women to wear the hijab when riding on public transport. Object detection software can detect the presence (or not) of a head-dress, with FR software then identifying any individuals deemed to be transgressing. The... Continue Reading →
Facial recognition: it’s the math, stupid!
From one perspective, facial recognition is a purely computational exercise – a complex process of object scanning, data correlation and applying machine learning techniques to recognise and learn from patterns in digital image data streams. The human face is just of hundreds of different ‘objects’ that might be scanned and processed by a smart-camera – all instantaneously... Continue Reading →
The development of facial recognition – much harder than we think!
Facial recognition is a notably hyped (if not over-hyped) technology. FRT developers and vendors are keen to boost the far-reaching capabilities of their products, while critics also are ready the fear the worst of what might potentially be done. As with most emerging technologies, facial recognition is the focus for ongoing exaggerated ‘booster’ and ‘doomster’... Continue Reading →
Facial recognition in 2025 – expert expectations
Pew Research released a report in February 2021 in which they canvas the views of various tech experts and futurists about their anticipations of the post-COVID shifts in technology and society for 2025. Facial recognition and other biometrics and AI featured prominently in these accounts – positioning FRT as one of a suite of inferential and surveillance... Continue Reading →
Facial recognition: a case of Australian exceptionalism?
Given the steady profusion of biometrics and FRT around the world, why should we pay particular attention to Australia – a large landmass with relatively small population on the periphery of the Southern Hemisphere? In one sense, Australia is an ideal showcase for the everyday implementation of this technology across society. To date, discussions over... Continue Reading →
Facial recognition and the Chinese other
Western perceptions of digital innovation have long remained in thrall to East-Asia. Just as Japan was seen as the world-leading innovator in micro-electronics and computers during the 1980s, China is now widely considered to be leading the development of artificial intelligence. Western news media, policy and public opinion perpetuate a sense that “China Is Dominating Artificial... Continue Reading →
Automated Vision 