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| Smart signs using facial recognition software are scheduled for introduction in three cities this month. (credits: Immersive Labs) |
I was already
concerned about my privacy before I read this article in the NYTimes, "Face Recognition Makes the Leap From Sci-Fi"
As this excerpt explains, "As SceneTap® suggests, techniques like facial detection, which
perceives human faces but does not identify specific individuals, and facial
recognition, which does identify individuals, are poised to become the next big
thing for personalized marketing and smart phones. That is great news for
companies that want to tailor services to customers, and not so great news for
people who cherish their privacy. The spread of such technology — essentially,
the democratization of surveillance — may herald the end of anonymity."
"SceneTap, a new app for smart phones, uses cameras
with facial detection software to scout bar scenes". This app has been rolled
out to the excitement of 20-somethings, hoping to successfully hook-up on their
night out on the town.
Facebook is also incorporating this facial recognition
software to assist in ‘tagging’ friends in photos (see FB article: http://www.facebook.com/blog.php?post=467145887130).
The article states, “When you or a friend
upload new photos, we use face recognition software—similar to that found in
many photo editing tools—to match your new photos to other photos you're tagged
in.” However, this FB practice is
drawing fire from both governmental agencies and users alike so it is doubtful
that this new feature will be the success that FB originally had in mind.
I received this comment from SceneTap® when I posted in on my own blog:
ReplyDeleteDanielle
danielle@scenetap.com
Submitted on 2011/11/15 at 10:57 am
Hi there! We saw your post and just wanted to take a moment to ease your concerns regarding our product (SceneTap). We do NOT utilize facial recognition technologies, but rather facial detection technologies. Our facial detection process is 100% anonymous and does not have recording capabilities. While we cannot speak for companies like Facebook in regards to their usage of facial detection technology, we wanted to set the record straight on our end. Cheers!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy response (posted on my blog: http://disasterplanc.wordpress.com/category/off-in-the-bushes) to Danielle at SceneTap:
ReplyDeleteon 2011/11/15 at 2:51 pm | In reply to Danielle.
Thank you for your comment. While it is reassuring to hear that you do not record images, please forgive my ignorance when I ask what is the difference between facial ‘detection’ technologies and facial ‘recognition’ technologies?
November 15, 2011 4:51 PM
Much to my surprise, I received their reply on my blog shortly afterwards:
ReplyDeleteFrom: SceneTap (@SceneTap)
twitter.com/SceneTap x
SceneTap@twitter.example.com
Submitted on 2011/11/15 at 3:13 pm
Hi Michele,
Great question – we’d love to jump in here. They’re both relatively new fields, so they’re often confused.
Essentially, facial recognition technology recognizes individuals (e.g. John Doe, a 28-year-old male from Austin, TX), while facial detection technology approximates characteristics (e.g. A male around the age of 28).
Fast Company covered SceneTap earlier this year, and they discuss the technology in a bit more depth:
http://www.fastcompany.com/1765323/how-scenetap-compares-to-foursquare-tracks-age-gender-of-local-bar-scene
Let us know if you have any other questions – we’d love to hear from you!
November 15, 2011 4:55 PM
scary!
ReplyDelete