Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (2024)

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (3)

Let’s talk about faces. Most of us have them, and as facial recognition technology advances the concept of public anonymity will soon be antiquated. Depending on your personal beliefs, you may find this thought either comforting or frightening. But before we take a look at two different approaches to this divide, we must first look at the effect (if any) that glasses have on this type of technology.

First, there is a difference between facial detection and facial recognition, and the reality is that glasses are more likely to have an impact on facial detection.

Facial recognition is about determining from a picture who someone actually is. If you have a picture of a person, you want your software to be able to tell you with a high degree of certainty the identity of that person, e.g. “this picture is of Michael Jones, Employee Number 215”, or “the women in this picture are Stephanie and Jane”. Facial detection is the much more fundamental skill of determining whether there is a face in a picture at all. Obviously you can not have facial recognition unless you have already had facial detection.

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (4)

People wearing glasses provide a challenge to both facial detection and facial recognition software. Glasses, especially reflective sunglasses, can hinder an algorithm from finding the points of reference it needs when determining whether there is a face in a photo. If there has been no facial detection, there will clearly be no facial recognition.

Every facial detection and/or recognition product uses a different algorithm. Many of these algorithms do recognize when people are wearing glasses. Prescription glasses with clear lenses will generally not be a problem for facial detection and recognition software because the key eye details are still visible. Even if they do cause some form of issue the software will continue to examine the other parts of the face and simply remove the occluded portions from its analysis. It is not unusual for faces to still be detected and recognized with up to 30% occlusion.

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (5)

The best algorithms in the world still have difficulties, however, when people are wearing dark or shiny sunglasses, specifically ones that hide the pupils of the eyes. This problem is compounded when the glasses obscure or hide the distance between the eyes, which is a key part of many algorithms. Most facial recognition algorithms start by determining eye features first and comparing them against their pre-existing databases of images before they move onto other facial features.

Some companies believe that the future involves wearable tech that allows the user to wear sunglasses outfitted with augmented reality(AR) features that include facial recognition technology. One such product has been dubbed iFalcon Face Control Mobile by NNTC.

The AR glasses have an 8-megapixel camera embedded in the frame which allows the wearer to scan faces in a crowd and compare them with a database of over 1 million images. Notifications about positive identity matches are sent to the glasses’ see-through display, embedded in the lens.

NNTC claims that its facial recognition algorithms are in the top three for accuracy in the US government’s Face Recognition Vendor Test, able to detect up to 15 faces per frame per second, and capable of identifying an individual in less than a second.

NNTC says it’s so far produced 50 pairs of facial recognition-enabled glasses, and that they are “currently being deployed into several security operations” in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The company says the glasses are only on sale to security and law enforcement for now.

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (6)

Police in China deployed similar tech last year, using the hardware at train stations to pick out suspects in a crowd.

And before you say that tech like this seems too futuristic or dystopian, it’s not functionally too dissimilar from what is already being used in the US and other Western countries. American Police can already use imagery collected from speed warning cameras, body cameras and CCTV cameras to search for suspects using facial recognition software.

There are, of course, numerous privacy and civil rights concerns associated with facial recognition. The algorithms that power this technology are prone to bias, and this can lead to false arrests and imprisonment. Some believe this gives police officers a new tool to discriminate against minorities. San Francisco has even gone so far as to ban the use of facial recognition, but the technology will undoubtedly continue to spread around the world.

So what if you prefer to live in anonymity, and you don’t live in San Francisco? Well, there are companies on your side. And if you’re ambitious, you can even handle it on your own.

For the stylish and tech savvy customer, Phantom & Ghost sunglasses block 3D facial mapping during both day and night. They keep your eye measurements from being analyzed by facial recognition on traditional security cameras using infrared. They can be designed as sunglasses or with prescription lenses. They block most forms of facial recognition without calling attention to the wearer. The designer and creator Scott Urban calls this newest line “privacy eyewear.” The glasses seek to, at least in part, stem the tide of facial-recognition technology and create an opportunity for customers to exist in society without being tracked.

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (7)

The Phantoms are the latest iteration in privacy wear from Urban, whose 2016 Ghost frames (currently sold out) reflect both visible light and infrared light as a way to partially blind traditional flash photography and IR security cameras.

Unlike the Ghost model, the newer Phantoms reflect only IR light and also come with the option of IR-light blocking lenses. This means that your face won’t be blurred out in photographs taken with a flash, or in standard security camera footage in a well-lit environment.

The frames are specifically designed to defeat 3D dot matrix face-mapping systems, which is basically what makes Apple’s Face ID work. They bounce infrared light back at its source, with the goal of preventing IR video cameras from getting a good image of your face — or potentially even registering your face as a face at all.

And for the DIY’er, there’s an option for you too. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a 3D-printed pair of sunglasses that only cost $.22 to manufacture. The sunglasses, according to an accompanying study, fools advanced facial recognition software by altering small bits of color information in a face.

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (8)

Facial Recognition software relies on neural networks to compare pixel coloration in specific areas of the face to match one image to another. When something (like these glasses) alters this pixel coloration, it confuses the software. Researchers say the 3D printed glasses are good at both impersonation and dodging attacks. Impersonation “seeks to have a face recognized as a specific other face,” whereas dodging is more of an attempt to avoid being detected at all. Overall, the system achieved a 90 percent success rate in foiling facial recognition software.

I think we can agree that facial recognition technology is here for the long haul. As a junior developer, I enjoy watching the growth on both sides of the public safety vs. personal privacy debate as humans push each other to devise new and innovative ways to meet the demands of our changing world.

Now you see me, now you don’t— Sunglasses and Facial Recognition Technology (2024)

FAQs

Do sunglasses beat facial recognition? ›

If you're wearing sunglasses designed to block certain types of light, then your sunglasses might be blocking the infrared light used by the TrueDepth camera. Try using Face ID without your sunglasses.

What is a mask to beat facial recognition? ›

What is an anti-facial recognition mask? Anti-facial recognition masks are any accessory worn over part of the face to thwart facial recognition software. Designs often try to minimize the amount of the face that needs to be covered, and many designs don't immediately say 'mask'.

How can Face ID see through sunglasses? ›

Apple is that Face ID actually works in the infrared spectrum — specifically, between 930 and 950 nanometers — so sunglasses actually can work. But it depends on the type of lenses.

How do you think facial recognition technology actually recognizes faces? ›

Most systems use 2D camera technology, which creates a flat image of a face and maps 'nodal points' (size/shape of eyes, nose, cheekbones, etc.). The system then calculates the nodes' relative position and converts the data into a numerical code. The recognition algorithms search a stored database of faces for a match.

Can facial recognition be fooled with sunglasses? ›

Sunglasses and Face Mask Won't Fool Facial Recognition Systems Any More.

Can wearing sunglasses hide your identity? ›

The eye region is argued to be the most diagnostic cue for face identification [41,42]. Glasses partially occlude, and sunglasses fully occlude the eye region of the face. Two studies have shown that unfamiliar face matching is impaired when one image in the pair is unconcealed and the other wears glasses [36,37].

Does wearing a mask stop facial recognition? ›

However, the main areas that a facial recognition system scans are the eyes, mouth, and nose. By simply wearing a mask or hat, some of these crucial facial points are still exposed, which means that a system can still identify an individual.

Does weight loss affect facial recognition? ›

For example, a facial recognition system may fail in making a positive match between photos of someone before and after they have undergone significant weight loss.

What does 3 faced mask mean? ›

Three faces of fired clay, representing the cycle of life and death, from ancient Mexico.

Does Face ID work if you are asleep? ›

Let's say you're asleep and there's a snooping child, roommate, or spouse who wants to see who you've been texting or calling. They may be able to aim the selfie camera at your face to unlock it. If you're suspicious someone might want to do that you've probably wondered this already. The answer is yes, they can.

Can Face ID work with eyes closed? ›

For users who have not changed their accessibility settings, Apple's Face ID face recognition system does not work if the user has their eyes closed.

Does Face ID track your eyes? ›

Face ID is even attention-aware, and Face ID with a mask will always confirm attention. Face ID recognizes if your eyes are open and your attention is directed towards the device. This makes it more difficult for someone to unlock your device without your knowledge (such as when you are sleeping).

What is an example of facial recognition? ›

To protect people's privacy, a feature called Photo Review notifies the Facebook member who has been identified. Other examples of facial recognition include Amazon, MasterCard and Alibaba, who have rolled out facial recognition payment methods commonly referred to as selfie pay.

What is an example of facial recognition technology? ›

Examples of facial recognition technology
  • Amazon previously promoted its cloud-based face recognition service named Rekognition to law enforcement agencies. ...
  • Apple uses facial recognition to help users quickly unlock their phones, log in to apps, and make purchases.

How does facial recognition work Reading answers? ›

A facial recognition system uses biometrics to map facial features from a photograph or video. It compares the information with a database o f known faces to find a match.

How do you beat face recognition on iPhone? ›

The Short Version
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on Face ID & Passcode.
  3. Enter your passcode.
  4. Toggle off Face ID for each suggested action.
Aug 16, 2022

Does face recognition work with and without glasses? ›

Yes, you can wear or not wear glasses and Face ID will recognize you just fine. Yes. Face ID will recognize you if you set it up not wearing glasses, and are now wearing glasses, and vice versa. Face ID automatically adapts to changes in your appearance, such as wearing cosmetic makeup or growing facial hair.

Does facial recognition work with masks and glasses? ›

To use Face ID with a mask, Face ID must clearly see your eyes and the areas around the eyes. Face ID with a mask is not designed to work with sunglasses.

Is it hard to recognize someone with sunglasses? ›

In the unfamiliar face comparison task, both masks and sunglasses reduced identification accuracy. Masks impaired performance the most, but only a little more than sunglasses.” This difference in recognition was at only around 3%.

Does wearing someone's glasses show what they see? ›

When I put on someone else's glasses, am I actually seeing “what they see without glasses”? Someone else's glasses correct their vision to be perfect. So if you are wearing their prescribed glasses — and you have perfect vision — you actually see the “focusing opposite” of what they see.

What devices are compatible with Face ID with mask? ›

Which devices are supported for Face ID unlocking with masks? Apple says the Face ID unlocking with masks is only supported for iPhone 12 and newer. This includes Apple iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

How much weight do you need to lose to notice face difference? ›

Guzman said weight loss was typically noticed in our faces first. According to a Canadian study on the social perception of weight loss, "women and men of average height need to lose or gain approximately 10 pounds for anyone to notice the difference in a face," he said.

Why am I losing weight but my face is getting fatter? ›

There are several reasons why you may still have excess face fat after weight loss. Some of the common reasons include genetics, age, poor diet, lack of exercise, and hormonal imbalances.

How much weight do you have to lose to notice it in your face? ›

While everyone loses weight differently, dropping as little as 3 to 5 pounds can show up on your face first, Eboli says. That's because when you exercise your whole body (and eat healthy), you burn fat all over.

What color face mask looks best? ›

As a general rule, black and white masks don't do anyone any favors (black masks often look too harsh, she says, and white masks can show stains from foundation, among other issues). "For the vast majority of us, navy blues, soft cool pinks, blues and greens are probably safe options,” Jackson says.

What are the three faces? ›

The Japanese say you have three faces. The first face, you show to the world. The second face, you show to your close friends and your family. The third face, you never show anyone.

What is a Level 3 medical face mask? ›

The Level 3 Surgical Face Mask is a single-use, non-sterile surgical mask for use where a person is at risk of blood or fluid splash. Made with lightweight, breathable material and designed to create the best fit.

Does Face ID leave your phone? ›

Face ID data does not leave your device, and is never backed up to iCloud or anywhere else. If you choose to enroll in Face ID, you can control how it is used or disable it at any time.

Does Face ID stay on phone? ›

No, Face ID face scans are not stored in the cloud. All face scans are stored directly on your iPhone.

Can anyone unlock an iPhone? ›

Only your carrier can unlock your iPhone. Contact them and request an unlock. After you submit the request, it might take a few days to complete. Contact your carrier to check the status of your request.

What can disable Face ID? ›

How to disable Face ID through Siri
  • On your device, launch Settings.
  • Tap Siri & Search.
  • Enable Allow Siri When Locked.
  • Lock your device.
  • Avert your face from the device so it does not unlock. ...
  • Siri will respond to the query, and silently disable Face ID.
Jun 29, 2022

Can twins unlock Face ID? ›

Several users have in the past reported issues with the Apple Face ID and most users who had faced the issue were identical twins. Back in 2017, CNN tested the feature with two identical twins and Apple failed miserably. The Face ID was set up on the iPhone X by one and the iPhone was given to another for unlocking.

Can you unlock Face ID with a photo? ›

Many people know that Apple's Face ID system is more secure than the default Android facial recognition program. For example, Face ID can't be fooled by a photograph.

Does Facetime make your eyes look at the camera? ›

The aptly named “Eye Contact,” which was rolled out with the release of iOS 14, digitally alters users' eyes to appear they're looking directly into the camera. It's enabled by ARKit, Apple's framework to implement augmented reality in games and tools using a combination of motion tracking and camera scene capture.

Is Face ID safer than fingerprint? ›

As for security, both Face ID and Touch ID data are stored in a Secure Enclave as mathematical data only the OS can access. However, Touch ID seems to be the one more likely to protect your device from an intruder.

What are the 2 main types of facial recognition? ›

The primary difference between facial verification and facial identification is the type of matching the technology uses: one-to-one matching, or one-to-many. Facial verification is the process of determining whether someone is who they declare themselves to be.

Where is facial recognition mostly used? ›

Policing and national security

This allows these agencies, for instance, to scan security camera footage in real-time and identify if there are any known criminals or persons of interest in crowd situations.

What states are using facial recognition? ›

Currently, there are three U.S. states with laws specific to biometric privacy—Illinois, Texas, and Washington. All three make reference explicitly or implicitly to facial data. These laws take two general approaches to defining what data is covered.

What can face recognition be used for? ›

AI facial recognition technology is used for several reasons: to help secure and monitor a work environment, improve user experience, or even for pandemic control.

Are there different types of facial recognition? ›

Some classify these algorithms into two broad categories: holistic and feature-based models. The former attempts to recognize the face in its entirety while the feature-based subdivide into components such as according to features and analyze each as well as its spatial location with respect to other features.

Who has the best facial recognition technology? ›

Amazon Rekognition: Best overall facial recognition software. Amazon Rekognition is a popular provider of facial recognition services around the world. The Rekognition software has facial search and facial analysis features that help record facial detection, user verification and public security use.

How does facial recognition track you? ›

Facial recognition software reads the geometry of your face. Key factors include the distance between your eyes and the distance from forehead to chin. The software identifies facial landmarks — one system identifies 68 of them — that are key to distinguishing your face.

How do you detect face recognition? ›

Face detection software detects faces by identifying facial features in a photo or video using machine learning algorithms. It first looks for an eye, and from there it identifies other facial features. It then compares these features to training data to confirm it has detected a face.

How does facial recognition work simple? ›

Facial recognition uses computer-generated filters to transform face images into numerical expressions that can be compared to determine their similarity. These filters are usually generated by using deep “learning,” which uses artificial neural networks to process data.

Do sunglasses make you more mysterious? ›

Sunglasses create mystery

By looking into another person's eyes you make instant judgements about their intelligence, sincerity, character and more. So, when you take the ability for someone to make those judgements about you away, what are you left with? That's right, mystery.

Should you be able to see someone's eyes through sunglasses? ›

Sunglasses should screen out 75-90 percent of visible light. To determine if a pair is dark enough, try the glasses on in front of a mirror. If you can see your eyes easily through the lenses, they are probably too light. Check the quality of the lenses.

What effect do sunglasses have on the brain? ›

Sunglasses deplete the pineal gland and fool the brain into thinking it's overcast, preventing the skin from preparing for sun exposure! You might cause Seasonal Affective Disorder: Sunglasses can disrupt your circadian rhythm, resulting in weariness, insomnia, and even depression.

Does Face ID work if your eyes are closed? ›

For users who have not changed their accessibility settings, Apple's Face ID face recognition system does not work if the user has their eyes closed.

Does facial recognition work with glasses on? ›

How to use Face ID when you're wearing glasses and a face mask. If you wear glasses, you can improve the accuracy of Face ID with a mask by setting it up with your glasses on. You can do this when you first set up Face ID or later. You can add up to four pairs of glasses with Face ID.

What are sunglasses called when you can't see through them? ›

Amazon.com: Blackout Glasses.

Why do people wear black sunglasses? ›

A blind person highly sensitive to bright lights (photophobic) may feel pain in their eyes and temple region due to bright light. This condition may also result in a burning sensation in the eyes or vibrating sound in the ears. Dark glasses obstruct bright light and thus are helpful in avoiding pain.

What is the psychology behind wearing shades? ›

Some people wear sunglasses to feel hip, cool, and confident. Contrary to people who seek to “hide” behind tinted lenses out of insecurity, some people are actually more attractive in a flattering set of shades because confidence itself is attractive, which might account for the perception of image enhancement.

Why do celebrities wear sunglasses inside? ›

Celebrities Wear Sunglasses to Hide From Paparazzi

So, why do celebrities wear sunglasses? Well, it's pretty simple: they want to avoid the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

Which color sunglasses are best? ›

Dark colors (brown/gray/green) are ideal for everyday use and most outdoor activities. Darker shades are intended primarily to cut through the glare and reduce eyestrain in moderate-to-bright conditions. Gray and green lenses won't distort colors, while brown lenses may cause minor distortion.

Are you allowed to wear sunglasses in court? ›

No person shall appear in Court barefoot, shirtless, wearing a tank top, wearing sunglasses, or dress in any manner reflecting poorly upon the dignity of the Court and its decorum. The bailiffs of the Court are to remove any person violating this rule.

Is it rude to keep sunglasses on when talking to someone? ›

When in doubt, take them off. The bottom line… Unless you are driving, working in the yard, lounging on the beach or doing something in the sun, professionally you're creating a barrier between yourself and those around you. In conversation, people won't be as easily able to listen to what you're saying.

Why shouldn't you wear sunglasses all the time? ›

Most people don't realize that wearing sunglasses all the time can cause eye strain. It makes your eyes constantly squint, making it hard for them to focus correctly. Additionally, wearing sunglasses all the time can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis or pink eye.

What are sunglasses really doing for your eyes? ›

The most important benefit of wearing sunglasses is that they protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can have harmful effects on the eyelid, cornea, lens and retina.

What does not wearing sunglasses cause? ›

Cataracts, pterygium, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can start inflicting damage in your eyes if you don't wear the right sunglasses. You can also develop skin cancer because the skin around your eyes gets exposed to the hot sun as well.

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