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Even modest makeup can thwart facial recognition

Jan 15, 2025 - theregister.com
Researchers at PeopleTec have developed subtle strategies to evade facial recognition systems by minimally applying makeup and manipulating image files. Their study, "Novel AI Camera Camouflage: Face Cloaking Without Full Disguise," highlights the limitations of bold disguises like CV Dazzle and Juggalo makeup, which are easily noticeable and ineffective against modern face detectors. Instead, they propose subtle darkening of key facial regions to disrupt recognition without drawing attention. The research also explores hiding faces in image files by altering the alpha transparency layer, making them visible to humans but concealed from certain reverse image search systems.

David Noever, PeopleTec's chief scientist, emphasizes the dual nature of facial recognition technology, acknowledging its benefits and risks. He warns of the potential dangers, citing its use in law enforcement and surveillance. Emily Wenger from Duke University notes that while masks remain a reliable method of evasion, the rise of gait recognition presents new challenges. She highlights the information asymmetry in evading facial recognition systems, which often leaves individuals with limited options beyond wearing masks.

Key takeaways:

  • Researchers at PeopleTec have developed subtle makeup techniques to disrupt facial recognition systems without drawing attention.
  • These techniques focus on minimally altering high-density key-point regions of the face, such as brow lines and jaw contours.
  • Manipulating the alpha transparency layer in image files can hide faces from certain reverse image search systems while keeping them visible to humans.
  • Masks remain one of the most effective methods for evading facial recognition, but gait recognition technology is emerging as a potential challenge.
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