Facial Recognition Technology: Commercial Uses, Privacy Issues, and Applicable Federal Law

Abstract

Facial recognition technology can be used in numerous consumer and business applications, but the extent of its current use in commercial settings is not fully known. The technology is commonly used in software that manages personal photographs and in social networking applications to identify friends. In addition, several companies use the technology to provide secure access to computers, phones, and gaming systems in lieu of a password. Facial recognition technology can have applications for customer service and marketing, but at present, use in the United States of the technology for such purposes appears to be largely for detecting characteristics (such as age or gender) to tailor digital advertising, rather than identifying unique individuals. Some security systems serving retailers, banks, and casinos incorporate facial recognition technology, but the extent of such use at present is not fully known.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2015
Accession Number
AD1173056

Entities

People

  • Alicia P. Cackley

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biometric Security
  • Civil Rights
  • Commerce
  • Computers
  • Congress
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Health Care
  • Internet
  • Law
  • Mobile Phones
  • Public Policy
  • Security Personnel
  • Social Media
  • Social Networking Services
  • Trade Associations
  • United States
  • United States Government

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computer Vision.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Government Contracting/Procurement.