Facial recognition systems sound like something out of a science fiction movie. However, the reality is that facial recognition is widespread in our world today. Although the concept of using facial recognition has lingered for a long time, the world adopted it when artificial intelligence software and machine learning solutions prospered in the 21^st century.

Today, they aren’t just a staple of science fiction movies. Instead, they’re our new reality.

According to statistics, the facial recognition industry was worth approximately $3.8 billion in 2020. Experts predict the market to grow exponentially in the coming few years. They forecast the market to hit $8.5 billion by 2025.

What is Facial Recognition?

Facial recognition refers to technology that can scan a human face. Most facial recognition systems utilize biometrics to identify facial features from an image or video. Then, they match the information against their database. Facial recognition systems can identify people, but many also argue against them because of privacy issues. Facial recognition is already prominent in our world today. For instance, most smartphones today have facial recognition technology. Users have to scan their faces into the smartphone’s database. Once they do, they can use facial recognition to lock and unlock their phones. However, facial recognition technology also has other purposes. For instance, government agencies use facial recognition to find missing people, persons of interest, etc.  

How Does Facial Recognition Work?

Facial recognition software works similarly to how we identify and remember faces. Once you see a person’s face, you’ll likely remember them again, unless you don’t see them for an extended duration. Facial recognition software operates similarly, except it utilizes algorithms and data to recognize faces.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how facial recognition works:

• The software captures an image or video of you. It stores the information in its database.
• Facial recognition software assesses your face’s geometry. It focuses on facial landmarks like the distance between your eyes, distance from your chin to your forehead, etc. It uses these to create a facial signature.
• The software compares information against databases of known faces. Eventually, it decides after cross-checking against the databases.

How Accurate is Facial Recognition?

Top-tier facial recognition systems are more accurate than you would think. According to a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSI) in 2019, facial recognition algorithm software is as accurate as 99.97 percent in ideal circumstances. However, in the real world, their accuracy rate falls. Regardless, most top-tier facial recognition systems have an accuracy rate of 90 percent or higher today.

Are Facial Recognition Systems Biased?

Many people have cited demographic differences as affecting facial recognition accuracy rates. Although that’s true, evidence shows facial recognition systems can overcome this problem through better training processes for algorithms. In addition, improved image quality can reduce these issues. Therefore, facial recognition systems will become even more accurate soon.

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ACIX Middle East is a leading supplier of world-class access control systems Dubai. In addition, we also have numerous time and attendance management solutions. We’ve worked with numerous UAE organizations, stretching from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi. You’ll find our access control solutions in government, semi-government, and private facilities across the GCC. We’ve got numerous cloud-based access control systems in use from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Visit our website today for more information. Alternatively, you can contact us to learn more.