http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/aug/15/new-totalitarianism-surveillance-technologyThe new totalitarianism of surveillance technology
If you think that 24/7 tracking of citizens by biometric recognition systems is paranoid fantasy, just read the industry newsletters
A software engineer in my Facebook community wrote recently about his outrage that when he visited Disneyland, and went on a ride, the theme park offered him the photo of himself and his girlfriend to buy – with his credit card information already linked to it. He noted that he had never entered his name or information into anything at the theme park, or indicated that he wanted a photo, or alerted the humans at the ride to who he and his girlfriend were – so, he said, based on his professional experience, the system had to be using facial recognition technology. He had never signed an agreement allowing them to do so, and he declared that this use was illegal. He also claimed that Disney had recently shared data from facial-recognition technology with the United States military.
Yes, I know: it sounds like a paranoid rant.
Except that it turned out to be true. News21, supported by the Carnegie and Knight foundations, reports that Disney sites are indeed controlled by face-recognition technology, that the military is interested in the technology, and that the face-recognition contractor, Identix, has contracts with the US government – for technology that identifies individuals in a crowd.
Fast forward: after the Occupy crackdowns, I noted that odd-looking CCTVs had started to appear, attached to lampposts, in public venues in Manhattan where the small but unbowed remnants of Occupy congregated: there was one in Union Square, right in front of their encampment. I reported here on my experience of witnessing a white van marked "Indiana Energy" that was lifting workers up to the lampposts all around Union Square, and installing a type of camera. When I asked the workers what was happening – and why an Indiana company was dealing with New York City civic infrastructure, which would certainly raise questions – I was told: "I'm a contractor. Talk to ConEd."
I then noticed, some months later, that these bizarre camera/lights had been installed not only all around Union Square but also around Washington Square Park. I posted a photo I took of them, and asked: "What is this?" Commentators who had lived in China said that they were the same camera/streetlight combinations that are mounted around public places in China. These are enabled for facial recognition technology, which allows police to watch video that is tagged to individuals, in real time. When too many people congregate, they can be dispersed and intimidated simply by the risk of being identified – before dissent can coalesce. (Another of my Facebook commentators said that such lamppost cameras had been installed in Michigan, and that they barked "Obey", at pedestrians. This, too, sounded highly implausible – until this week in Richmond, British Columbia, near the Vancouver airport, when I was startled as the lamppost in the intersection started talking to me – in this case, instructing me on how to cross (as though I were blind or partially sighted).
Finally, last week, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly to unveil a major new police surveillance infrastructure, developed by Microsoft. The Domain Awareness System links existing police databases with live video feeds, including cameras using vehicle license plate recognition software. No mention was made of whether the system plans to use – or already uses – facial recognition software. But, at present, there is no law to prevent US government and law enforcement agencies from building facial recognition databases.
And we know from industry newsletters that the US military, law enforcement, and the department of homeland security are betting heavily on facial recognition technology. As PC World notes, Facebook itself is a market leader in the technology – but military and security agencies are close behind.
According to Homeland Security Newswire, billions of dollars are being invested in the development and manufacture of various biometric technologies capable of detecting and identifying anyone, anywhere in the world – via iris-scanning systems, already in use; foot-scanning technology (really); voice pattern ID software, and so on.
What is very obvious is that this technology will not be applied merely to people under arrest, or to people under surveillance in accordance with the fourth amendment (suspects in possible terrorist plots or other potential crimes, after law enforcement agents have already obtained a warrant from a magistrate). No, the "targets" here are me and you: everyone, all of the time. In the name of "national security", the capacity is being built to identify, track and document any citizen constantly and continuously.
The revealing boosterism of a trade magazine like Homeland Security Newswire envisions endless profits for the surveillance industry, in a society where your TV is spying on you, a billboard you drive by recognizes you, Minority Report style, and the FBI knows where to find your tattoo – before you have committed any crime: "FBI on Track to Book Faces, Scars, Tattoos", it notes; "Billboards, TVs Detect your Faces; Advertisers Salivate", it gloats; "Biometric Companies See Government as the Driver of Future Market Growth", it announces. Indeed, the article admits without a blush that all the growth is expected to be in government consumption, with "no real expectation" of private-sector growth at all. So much for smaller government!
To acclimate their populations to this brave new world of invasive surveillance technologies, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and and his Canadian counterpart, Stephen Harper, both recently introduced "snoop" bills. Meanwhile, in the US – "the land of the free" – the onward march of the surveillers continues apace, without check or consultation.
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http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/08/germany-facebook-must-destroy...
Germany: Facebook must destroy facial recognition database
Says opt-out mechanism violates European Union law.
by Jon Brodkin - Aug 15 2012, 10:12am +500
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German data protection officials today accused Facebook of “illegally compiling a vast photo database of users without their consent” and demanded that the social network destroy its archive of files based on facial recognition technology, the New York Times reported.
Facebook says that it uses face recognition software to match users’ photos to others and suggest friends to tag in those photos. A user can prevent friends from seeing tag suggestions when they upload photos that look like that user. But this requires opting out through Facebook privacy settings, which Germany notes is a violation of European law.
“The social networking company’s decision to use analytic software to compile photographic archives of human faces, based on photos uploaded by Facebook’s users, has been controversial in Europe, where data protection laws require users to give their explicit consent to the practice,” the Times wrote. “Instead of using such an opt-in system, Facebook assumes users will want to use facial recognition and requires them to opt out instead.”
Germany started investigating Facebook over the practice in June 2011, suspending the investigation in June of this year after failing to convince Facebook to change its practices. But the German data protection commission reopened the investigation today, demanding that Facebook “destroy its photographic database of faces collected in Germany and revise its Web site to obtain the explicit consent of users before it creates a digital file based on the biometric data of their faces,” the article states.
Facebook claims it doesn’t have to do that, in part because the data collection is legal in Ireland, where Facebook’s European operations are based. “We believe that the Photo Tag Suggest feature on Facebook is fully compliant with EU data protection laws,” Facebook said in a statement issued to the Times. “During our continuous dialogue with our supervisory authority in Europe, the Office of the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, we agreed to develop a best practice solution to notify people on Facebook about Photo Tag Suggest.”
Germany could issue a fine, or try to get a court order compelling Facebook to change its practices, but it will be difficult because of the company being headquartered in the US. While Facebook isn’t backing down, it has made one small concession by agreeing to suspend the tagging feature for Europeans who joined Facebook on or after July 1.
KeyLemon is a software that offers face recognition using your webcam. Stop wasting time typing your password and use your face as your password. www.keylemon.com
http://www.findbiometrics.com/facial-recognition/
Facial Recognition
Take Me To FACIAL RECOGNITION DEVICES Right Now!
A facial recognition device is one that views an image or video of a person and compares it to one that is in the database. It does this by comparing structure, shape and proportions of the face; distance between the eyes, nose, mouth and jaw; upper outlines of the eye sockets; the sides of the mouth; location of the nose and eyes; and the area surrounding the check bones.
Upon enrolment in a facial recognition program, several pictures are taken of the subject at different angles and with different facial expressions. At time of verification and identification the subject stands in front of the camera for a few seconds, and then the image is compared to those that have been previously recorded.
To prevent a subject from using a picture or mask when being scanned in a facial recognition program, some security measures have been put into place. When the user is being scanned, they may be asked to blink, smile or nod their head. Another security feature would be the use of facial thermography to record the heat in the face.
The main facial recognition methods are: feature analysis, neural network, eigenfaces, automatic face processing.
Some facial recognition software algorithms identify faces by extracting features from an image of a subject's face. Other algorithms normalize a gallery of face images and then compress the face data, only saving the data in the image that can be used for facial recognition. A probe image is then compared with the face data.
A fairly new method on the market is three-dimensional facial recognition. This method uses 3-D sensors to capture information about the shape of a face. This information is then used to identify distinctive features on the face, such as the contour of eye sockets, nose and chin.
The advantages of 3-D facial recognition are that it is not affected by changes in lighting, and it can identify a face from a variety of angles, including profile view.
Another new technique in facial recognition uses the visual details of the skin, as captured in standard digital or scanned images. This technique is called skin texture analysis, turns the unique lines, patterns, and spots apparent in a person's skin into a mathematical space. Preliminary tests have shown that using skin texture analysis in facial recognition can increase performance in identification by 20 to 25 percent.
The benefits of facial recognition are that it is not intrusive, can be done from a distance even without the user being aware they are being scanned. (i.e.: bank or government office)
What sets apart facial recognition from other biometric techniques is that it can be used for surveillance purposes; as in searching for wanted criminals, suspected terrorists, and missing children. Facial recognition can be done from far away so with no contact with the subject so they are unaware they are being scanned.
Facial recognition is most beneficial to use for facial authentication than for identification purposes, as it is too easy for someone to alter their face, features with a disguise or mask, etc. Environment is also a consideration as well as subject motion and focus on the camera.
Facial recognition, when used in combination with another biometric method, can improve verification and identification results dramatically.
To find a facial recognition device, please click on one of our supplier links.
Facial Recognition Solution Providers:
Aware, Inc. is a leading provider of biometrics software components and sample applications for identity verification. These tools are used to develop standards-compliant enrollment, personalization, and reader workstations and networks. Functionality provided includes:
• Fingerprint and facial image auto-capture
• Image QA and compliance assurance
• Certified 1:1 fingerprint matching
• Standard-compliant data formatting and validation
• Service-oriented workflow server platform
Products & services: Fingerprint Readers, Middleware / Software, , Justice / Law Enforcement, Facial Recognition,
ZKTeco is a leading global developer and manufacturer of security and time management solutions headquartered in Shenzhen. It is subdivided into 5 business segment/divisions—ZKSoftware, ZKAccess, ZKiVision, ZKBiolock and ZKAFIS. Its products range from Multi-biometric and RFTD identification Time & Attendance solutions to Access Control solutions like IP-based standalone access control, networked access control panel, readers, and tripod turnstile, from IP Cameras and total surveillance solutions to consumer products, such as intelligent biometric lock, RFID hotel lock. ZKAFIS is engaging in providing economic and reliable AFIS solutions. Products and Services: Biometric Sensors and Detectors, Fingerprint Readers, Facial Recognition, Middleware / Software, Consumer / Residential Biometrics, Fingerprint and Biometric Locks, Logical Access Control, Mobile Biometrics , Other Uses of Biometrics, Physical Access Control, Time and Attendance.
Cross Match Technologies is a leading global provider of biometric identity management systems, applications and enabling technologies to governments, law enforcement agencies and businesses around the world. Offerings include biometric technologies capable of wireless, mobile or stationary use that encompass fingerprint, palm and full-hand scanners, facial recognition systems, iris scanning technology, document readers, biometric software, and related services. Products & Services: Border Control, Facial Recognition, Financial/Transactional, Fingerprint Readers, Hand Readers, Healthcare, Iris Scanners, Justice/Law Enforcement, Middleware Software, Mobile Biometrics, Other.
Increase your knowledge and establish credibility in the field of biometrics with the IEEE Certified Biometrics Professional™ (CBP) Program. The IEEE CBP Learning System is a premier quality review course designed to meet the needs of professionals and organizations throughout the biometrics industry. To learn more go to http://www.ieeebiometricscertification.org. Products & services: Fingerprint, Facial Recognition, Justice/Law Enforcement and Iris Scanner & Recognition
Cognitec develops market-leading face recognition technologies and applications for customers and government agencies around the world. In various independent evaluation tests, FaceVACS® has proven to be the leading technology available on the market. Cognitec’s portfolio includes products for facial database search, video screening, border control, ICAO compliant photo capturing and facial image quality assessment. Cognitec’s headquarters are located in Dresden, Germany; other offices are in Miami, FL; Rockland, MA; and Hong Kong. Find out more at: www.cognitec.com Products & Services: Face Recognition & Border Control/Airports.
Smartmatic is a fast-growing multinational technology provider for governments seeking to enhance transparency and efficiency of key processes. Among several original developments, Smartmatic has created the PARmobile, a portable and self-contained biometric enrollment platform that can be customized to the most demanding needs of the US marketplace, aptly supported by our distributors, systems integrators and VAR partners. With more than 400 employees, Smartmatic has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Panama, Barbados, Brazil, Venezuela, Philippines and Taiwan. Products & Services: Fingerprint Readers, Facial Recognition, Biometrics Consultants, Iris Scanner & Recognition, Voice / Speech Recognition, Border, Justice, Other, Physical Justice / Law Enforcement, Border Control, Physical Access Control, Other
MorphoTrak, recently named Biometrics Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan, provides biometric and identity management solutions to a broad array of markets in the U.S. including law enforcement, border control, driver licenses, civil identification, and facility/IT security. L-1 has been acquired by Morpho, and is now part of Morpho, Safran’s security division. Reporting to Morpho, MorphoTrak is part of the world’s largest biometric company and leading innovator in large fingerprint identification systems, facial and iris recognition, as well as secure credentials. For more information, visit www.morphotrak.com. Products & services: Biometric Sensors and Detectors, Facial Recognition, Fingerprint Readers, Iris Recognition, Smart Cards, Border Control / Airports, Consumer / Residential Biometrics, Justice / Law Enforcement, Logical Access Control, Mobile Biometrics, Other Uses of Biometrics, Physical Access Control, Time and Attendance.
FaceFirst provides a fully automated, user friendly, turnkey mobile and live-video surveillance facial recognition system which generates automated alerts whenever a face match above a user defined probability is reached. FaceFirst has a completely open and scalable, system architecture. FaceFirst technology excels in low resolution environments enabling real-world performance. Products and services: Facial recognition, Justice & Law Enforcement, Physical Access, Mobile Biometrics and Financial Transactional.
If anyone here has ever seen the CBS show "Person of Interest" you may be thinking that ther eis more truth than fiction there. If you haven't seen it, the premise is that the government has a machine that watches everyone all of the time in order to find possible "terrorist threats" but it also reveals impending crimes against average citizens, in which case, the government chooses to ignore the data. I have come to realize that with things like XBOX Kinnect, the infrastructure has been put in place quite voluntarily by the populace in their own homes. Food for thought.