Face recognition

Face Recognition is a new technology that allows a computer to identify a person by their image. It utilizes biometrics (underline later provide link), to identify an individuals inherent features. Then, an algorithm is used to process these facial features and other factors such as lighting. This data is then cross-referenced with a database of faces to identify each individual. Although many people have adopted this feature, it has caused many opinions to arise.

Progress

In recent years, the facial recognition technology has improved significantly. It is being used equally in many different fields, most notably security. Recent developments have even made systems that can recognize differences in identical twins. (first citation: DO LATER)

Controversy

As technology has improved in the field, many more opinions have also developed. Video surveillance paired with facial recognition has been a major topic of discussion in the past few years. On one hand, it can aid in security on many levels however on the the other hand, many individuals fear that it invade privacy. Because it is easy to put faith in a system that work intuitively, many people have hypothesized the idea of a false positive (underline link). This means that the facial recognition system could falsely identify an individual, allowing them access to someone else's private information or falsely accuse someone of a crime they did not commit. Many individuals also believe that this concept is a violation of the Fourth Amendment (underline link), the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. Because a search is on constituted by suspicious activity, the everyday surveillance of individuals is unlawful. Another concern is the idea that it may be abused by certain people. For example, A parent or spouse could track their child or significant other without their knowledge. This agains addresses the issue of privacy invasion.

References

D. Voth, "Face recognition technology," in IEEE Intelligent Systems, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 4-7, May-Jun 2003.