Facial recognition technology (FRT) is technology that attempts to identify a person by using an algorithm to analyze the pattern of a person’s face, then comparing the pattern to other images. FRT algorithms are proprietary, and they may vary slightly but essentially work the same way.
FRT systems usually have three components: a camera, an algorithm, and a database. FRT may also be a software program only, being run within a system to analyze images.
Studies of facial recognition algorithms in the US have consistently concluded that a person’s demographic group can have a significant effect on algorithms used in facial recognition.
Part of a flier created by the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition in 2020.
Part of a flier created by the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition in 2020.
Image description: A network of green lines and circles form a map of points and angles to compare faces. Image source: cnbc.com