Facial Recognition Technology: Developments and Concerns

 

Corporate bodies and governments all around the world are discovering the endless benefits of facial recognition technology. As with every other ground-breaking technology, especially those relating to data, privacy concerns are often raised.

Over the past couple of years, airports authorities have increased the use of security cameras in their facilities not only for security reasons, but also to speed up identity verification for departures. Organizations on the other hand are harnessing several biometric solutions – including facial recognition technology in a bid to properly checkmate the menacing problem of cyberattacks.

Prospects of Facial Recognition Technology

A Mordor Intelligence report predicts that the facial recognition technology market is expected to rise from $4.51 billion in 2018 to $9 billion in 2024. This technology is expected to have attained massive adoption within the next couple of years because of its numerous advantages. A couple of them are:

●        ability to match multiple IDs even in a crowded area;

●        provides highly accurate results even when used from a distance and;

●        real-time correspondence with databases.

Public fear over misuse of Personal Data

Matters regarding privacy, especially when it involves the government, never sits right with the general public – at least not since Edward Snowden’s revelation on surveillance concerning the NSA and the Facebook Analytica scandal which arose subsequent to the United States presidential election in 2016.

Data breaches, hacks and leaks have suddenly become the order of the day, leaving several people scared for their personal data. A lot of people are also concerned about how the data collected by applications, websites and institutions are handled and disposed of. The fear of personally identifiable information being used to commit fraud isn’t the primary concern for people these days.

Knowing fully well that their browsing history, social media likes, and content being consumed can all be warped up to form a close match to the behaviors and personality of an individual – is really what scares people. These data, when gathered from several users can be sold to advertising agencies or to some random person on the darkweb.

Using Blockchain Technology to Secure transactions and data

These numerous concerns have led researchers to explore the option of using blockchain technology to return the power of content control back to the users. Kairos believes in “Anonymous Digital Identity” for all – and in their opinion, the ability for users to verify important transactions with their digital identity is what sets the technology apart from the traditional networks used for storing data.

Just like Kairos, Aetsoft, a blockchain development company buttressed the security prowess of blockchain technology – characterizing it to be fast and secure. They highlighted the fact that the use of smart contracts can increase the effectiveness of the technology. Of course, the transactions and storages are secured with cryptography and a transaction trail that cannot be altered.

In Saudi Arabia however, the use of this blockchain facial security technology has been extended to other use-cases. This technology is being included in an authentication method for the use of ATM machines in the country. Some other ATMs now access blockchain network instead of the bank’s database and this helps in:

●        protecting customers’ identity and;

●        combating card fraud.

Stay Anonymous on the Web

The woes associated with this technology are numerous and it is only necessary that one doesn’t be a victim of the bad side of this technology. Hiding from online surveillance can truly be achieved through the use of encryption software.

It helps encode messages as they travel from sender to receiver. An application that does the job of this and more is a VPN. Apart from the traditional use of VPN which is to change IP addresses and offer anonymity, downloading a VPN can be used to hide your location and activity using encryption technology.

There are only so many individuals who can do concerning privacy regulations regarding the use of facial recognition software and personal data. The best that can be done is to endeavor to stay anonymous on the Internet and to keep clamoring for better reforms regarding the use of facial recognition technology.