What is facial recognition?

Facial recognition works like a custom barcode. Each face has its own unique pattern of features, like a barcode with distinct lines, and the system scans and reads that “barcode” to identify you.

How does facial recognition work?

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Facial recognition works in a series of steps to identify or verify a person based on their unique facial features. Here's a simplified breakdown:

Step 1: Face detection

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A camera identifies a face in an image, whether it’s an individual or part of a crowd. The system can detect faces from different angles, whether the person is facing forward or turned to the side.

Step 2: Face analysis

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The software analyzes the shape and features of the face. It looks at key points like the distance between the eyes, the shape of the cheekbones, and the contour of the lips and chin. This helps create a detailed map of your face, which will be used for identification.

Step 3: Converting the image to data

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Once the face is analyzed, the software converts this visual information into a set of numbers, creating a "faceprint." Think of it like a unique code for your face, similar to a fingerprint but based on your facial features.

Step 4: Finding a match

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The faceprint is then compared to a database of known faces. If there’s a match, the system recognizes you. This could be based on photos in databases like those used by social media platforms or even law enforcement.

Facial recognition is a natural way of identifying people because, just like us, we rely on faces to recognize each other. With the technology becoming more widespread, over half of the global population interacts with it regularly.

Is face recognition AI or ML technology?

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Facial recognition technology is both AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) driven, with each playing a crucial role:

• AI powers the overall system’s ability to analyze and interpret faces, making decisions about what features to look for and how to classify or identify individuals. It mimics human cognitive functions like recognizing faces.
• ML comes into play in the learning aspect. The system improves over time as it processes more data. By training on large datasets of faces, the system "learns" to become more accurate at distinguishing between different faces and matching them to a database.

So, while AI provides the framework for facial recognition to simulate human recognition, ML helps it grow smarter by analyzing data and adapting to new scenarios.

💡 For a deeper dive into how AI and ML work in practical applications, visit our machine learning services.

Why is facial recognition so important?

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Facial recognition technology is becoming a vital tool in many industries for several key reasons:

• Efficient security — Facial recognition offers quick and efficient verification. It’s faster and more convenient than other biometric methods like fingerprints or retina scans, and it requires fewer touchpoints than entering passwords or PINs. Additionally, it can be used as part of multifactor authentication, adding an extra layer of security.
• Improved accuracy — It is a highly accurate method for identifying individuals. Unlike relying on mobile numbers, email addresses, or IP addresses, it uses unique facial features to verify identity. This is why many services, from stock exchanges to cryptocurrency platforms, now use facial recognition to safeguard customer assets.
• Easier integration — Facial recognition technology is easy to integrate with existing security systems. Many smartphones, for example, already have front-facing cameras with built-in facial recognition support, making it seamless to implement without the need for additional hardware or complex software updates.

What is facial recognition used for?

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As we mentioned in the previous block, facial recognition is one of the most discussed technologies today. Let's now take a closer look at what it is actually used for and how it works in practice.

FRAUD DETECTION

Facial recognition helps companies verify users creating new accounts on platforms. It ensures the person signing up is the same as the one using the account, preventing fraud during suspicious activities.

CYBERSECURITY

Companies use facial recognition in place of, or alongside, passwords to strengthen security. It’s also commonly used for unlocking smartphones and other personal devices, providing an additional layer of protection.

AIRPORT AND BORDER CONTROL

Airports utilize facial recognition to speed up passenger processing. Instead of waiting in long lines, travelers can use biometric data, like e-passports, to quickly pass through automated terminals, improving both convenience and security.

BANKING

Facial recognition is used for verifying transactions, allowing individuals to authenticate payments by simply looking at their phone or computer, reducing the need for passwords. It is more secure, as there's no password for hackers to steal.

HEALTHCARE

Facial recognition can control access to patient records, ensuring only authorized personnel can view sensitive data. It also streamlines patient registration, making the check-in process faster and more secure in healthcare settings.