More than a decade back, we identified face recognition technology with science fiction. Now, it is used widely across the world in government and private sector due to advancement in computer vision and biometric technologies. When biometric facial recognition is used for larger good then it provides increased security-from crime to searching missing people.

Here are some real life examples where facial recognition technology can be used favourably:

Facial Recognition: The Face Value of Modern Technology

1. Tracing missing people

Facial recognition technology is appropriate to locate missing children, adults or old people. It also has the ability to compare a face belonging to different age groups (child vs adult vs old age). There can be system alerts as well when a potential match is identified.

2. Protecting retail stores against shoplifting

Facial recognition technology is used as a preventive step to tackle shoplifting. Retail store owners can use their security cameras which is integrated with facial recognition software. The software is able to detect suspected faces from the software database and give alerts. Owners can then blacklist them to prevent further entry in the store.

3. Convenience of shopping for store owners and their customers

Apart from preventing thefts in retail stores, business owners can think of higher employee efficiency and customer experience with use of facial recognition technology. With use of technology, repeat customers can be identified with their names and their buying history. This will help the staff to assist and guide them in their buying journey as well as advertise new products of their interests while they are in the store. Customer’s can also perform contactless payments using face recognition technology. Retailers can automatically clock employees in and out and optimize their operations and store efficiency.

4. Reduce human touchpoints in the customer journey

With no need of physical contact or human interaction, face recognition technology can be used to get cash from the ATM, online banking apps. This is superior to authentication processes which require PIN or passwords.

5. Addiction to gambling in children and youth

In United States, approximately 85% of adults have been involved in gambling at least once in their lifetime and it is increasing further. Children are prone to gambling and its issues because of developmental and cognitive deficiencies, as well as an impact of peer pressure and marketing by gambling companies. Right way to manage gambling disorders in childrens and adolescents need use of facial recognition technology by gambling companies and working with families.

Gambling zones example casinos can be monitored using existing cameras and facial recognition and owners and companies can protect their vulnerable customers. They can keep record of registered addicts and monitor them as they enter the zone and escort them out if needed.

Despite the issues of privacy associated with face recognition technology it has its own merit and face value which enhances security and automates processes. Judicious use of face recognition technology for the right cause helps to enhance individual and national security.