In the 1998 movie “Enemy of the State,” a massive trove of surveillance cameras were shown, and the film speculated about their potential threats before they were widely recognized in reality.
Today, we live in a world of AI cameras and high-altitude aerial imaging via facial recognition security cameras.
Cameras are compact, lightweight, and affordable, and one of the notable advancements in security camera technology is the integration of facial recognition capabilities.
Facial recognition technology enhances functionality by improving the identification, authentication, and tracking of individuals’ movements. In 2023, the market for facial recognition in Canada is anticipated to reach C$2,514.00 million.
This blog discusses the laws in Canada and the United States that govern the use of facial recognition security cameras. Furthermore, it talks about the technology itself and the various applications that businesses make of it.
It compares face detection and face recognition, addresses privacy concerns, and speaks about the debate around the collection of biometric data via facial recognition.
It also goes over the best cameras to use for facial recognition. Finally, it presents alternative solutions to facial recognition technology.
What is the purpose of collecting biometric data?
First, we must understand that facial recognition cameras can serve two purposes:
1. IDENTIFICATION OF A PERSON
Identification is the process that identifies a person. In other words, it merely detects the presence of a human being without personally recognizing them or associating them with their identity. It recognizes that it is a person and not a dog, a car, and so on.
2. AUTHENTICATION OF A PERSON
Authentication is the process of recognizing a person’s identity. Not only does the AI know it is a human being, but it also recognizes the specific person and associates it with their identity.
How is biometric data collected for facial recognition?
Facial features, fingerprints, voice, heart rate, iris, and DNA are examples of biometric data. Facial recognition technology uses algorithms to capture and analyze the unique characteristics of a person’s face. It then converts them into a unique code.
This code is then compared to a database for identification and access control purposes. This data is used to identify and authenticate individuals based on their facial features with high reliability.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada describes facial recognition as a process that comprises three significant steps:
Step 1: The computer finds the face in the image or video.
It doesn’t matter if you are alone or in a crowd. It can happen in real-time.
Step 2: It then creates a digital face representation based on the facial features’ relative position, size, and shape.
Facial characteristics, known as landmarks or nodal points of the face, are picked up by the facial recognition security camera.
It may be the space between the eyes, the nose’s size, the eye sockets’ depth, or the chin-to-forehead distance.
Each program may take up to 100 different measurements using various nodal points. A mathematical formula is then created using this information. This is your unique facial signature.
Step 3: This distinct digital signature of the face represented on the image is compared with the pre-identified pictures in the database. All of this happens in just a few seconds!
Two types of facial recognition
Static facial recognition.
How does it work?
It uses individual images and compares them to a database of images to find matches.
Who uses it?
Police use it with images captured from CCTV cameras. Law enforcement agencies use this powerful tool to identify suspects.
By analyzing facial features and unique characteristics, this technology helps narrow down potential matches from a vast database, aiding investigations and enhancing public safety.
Dynamic facial recognition
How does it work?
Face detection primarily focuses on locating and detecting faces within images or videos. It identifies faces based on contrasting features and patterns.
It does not store personal data or link faces to specific individuals, primarily focusing on detecting faces without identifying them.
It works in real-time, with cameras positioned in public places. Cameras capture images, which AI software processes to locate and compare faces to a database.
It can detect multiple faces in one image and scan large crowds, for example, in security systems at airports or stadiums.
Who uses it?
Face detection algorithms are used in photo apps and basic face-tracking systems.
Face detection algorithms can also be integrated into smart devices for features like unlocking the device or personalized user experiences.
Where do we use facial recognition?
Facial recognition finds application in various settings, such as identifying the required person in gigantic crowds at political protests, sports matches, and concerts.
Facial recognition software can also provide stadiums with new ways to engage spectators through apps such as 15 Seconds of Fame, ensuring fans at sporting events can save the moments they appear on in-stadium jumbotrons or game broadcasts.
In retail settings, facial recognition is successfully used for demographic research.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies use it to identify criminals and to locate graffiti or shoplifters.
Unlocking mobile phones and tagging people on Facebook using facial recognition technology is one of the most popular applications.
Finally, keeping an eye out for problematic gamblers in casinos is done using this technology.
The differences between face detection and facial recognition
Face detection focuses on finding and detecting faces within images or videos. It teaches a computer to recognize a human face. Based on contrasting features and patterns, it recognizes faces.
Face detection algorithms are frequently used in photo apps and simple face-tracking systems. Facebook makes use of them as well. They do not store personal data, link faces to specific people, or focus on identifying faces; instead, they focus on detecting faces.
On the other hand, facial recognition examines distinctive features and characteristics of a person’s face to achieve high matching and identification accuracy.
Security systems, access control, and identity verification frequently use facial recognition technology, where face templates or features are saved for identification.
| Face detection | Face recognition | |
| Definition | Detects faces based on contrasting features | Identifies and verifies individuals based on facial features |
| Purpose | Detect and locate faces in an image or video | Authenticate or identify individuals |
| Technology | Analyzes contrast and patterns on the face | Analyzes unique facial characteristics and features |
| Accuracy | Moderate accuracy with the ability to detect faces | High accuracy in matching and identifying individuals |
| Application | Used in face detection algorithms and basic face tracking | Applied in security systems, access control, and identity verification |
| Data storage | Typically, it does not store face images or personal data | Stores face templates or features for identification purposes |
| Privacy | Focuses on face detection without identifying individuals | Identifies and links face to specific individuals |
| Use case | Basic face detection in photo apps, camera systems, etc. | Security checkpoints, unlocking devices, and surveillance systems |
| Compliance | Generally poses fewer privacy and legal concerns | Generally requires compliance with privacy laws and consent regulations |
Facial recognition: privacy considerations
As facial recognition technology (FRT) has advanced, privacy and data protection have surfaced. Maintaining the confidence of their clients and the general public requires businesses to navigate these issues and ensure regulatory compliance.
Following is a list of some privacy considerations:
- It allows enterprises to modify their advertising and target customers based on the emotional reactions collected via facial recognition security cameras.
- Facial recognition technology has the potential to be abused, particularly in hacking.
- Facial recognition technology can result in the surveillance of immigrants, people of color, and political protesters.
- Racial profiling concerns are brought up using facial recognition technology in public places.
- Technology executives argue that regulations are needed to prevent abuses and ensure the safety of individuals.
- The data collected by the facial recognition security camera highly depends on high-quality images and well-lit conditions.
- Inappropriate police attention can occasionally result from people being mistakenly identified as suspects.
The public perception and debates surrounding facial recognition technology
The following table presents different viewpoints and arguments surrounding facial recognition. It reflects the ongoing public debates and concerns that experts, policymakers, and privacy advocates have raised.
| Viewpoint | Argument |
| Transparency | Many call for transparent policies and regulations governing the use of facial recognition. |
| Privacy concerns | Critics raise concerns about the potential invasion of privacy through constant surveillance. They worry about collecting, storing, and potentially misusing facial data. |
| Bias and discrimination | Debaters highlight the risk of bias and discrimination in facial recognition algorithms. Studies have shown that the technology may have higher error rates for specific demographics, leading to unjust targeting or false identifications. |
| Consent and control | Discussions involve obtaining informed consent before deploying facial recognition systems. |
| Accuracy and reliability | Some experts question the accuracy and reliability of facial recognition technology. They argue that relying solely on facial recognition for identification may lead to wrongful arrests or an overreliance on a flawed system. |
These issues highlight the importance of comprehending facial recognition security camera regulations. The enforcement of these laws can stop invasions of privacy.
Understanding Facial Recognition Security Camera Regulations
Facial recognition technology (FRT) involves collecting, processing, and storing biometric data, considered personal information and subject to privacy laws.
Many industries are now raising the question of privacy invasion and requiring legal compliance and the appropriate framework for collecting, processing, and storing biometric data through FRT.
The primary law in Canada is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
It requires the following rules for FRT:
- Organizations need to get consent before collecting biometric data through FRT.
- Organizations should clearly explain the purpose of data collection.
- Biometric data must be protected with encryption and access controls.
- Biometric information should only be kept as long as required and adequately disposed of afterwards.
- Individuals can access their biometric information, make corrections, and revoke their consent.
With that said, these are the mandatory regulations a retail store in Canada must comply with if they intend to incorporate a facial recognition system:
- Posting a written notice at the entrance of the store regarding the use of a facial recognition system for theft prevention purposes.
- Implementing security measures that are intended to preserve confidentiality and integrity.
- Making the data available through strict access rules, and only to those who require it.
- Limiting the number of individuals who are allowed access to personal information, preventing exploitation.
- Securing the collected data at all times.
- Keeping the data only for the required time and then discarding it.
Best-suited cameras for facial recognition
The best cameras to use for facial recognition are those with High-quality WDR.
But what is high-quality WDR?
WDR stands for “Wide Dynamic Range.” WDR cameras utilize two processors: a light image processor and a dark image processor.
Why choose WDR cameras:
WDR cameras are suitable for properties with high-contrast areas such as conservatories, glass doors, and naturally bright areas.
They are also beneficial for properties with dark areas where little light can reach.
WDR cameras work through two different programs:
- True WDR
True WDR cameras use advanced image sensors and a Digital Signal Processor to produce a balanced image with even illumination.
True WDR cameras capture two scans of each video frame at different shutter speeds and combine them to create a well-balanced image in real-time.
- Digital WDR
Digital WDR cameras use algorithms to enhance dark and bright areas in the image. They adjust the exposure of every pixel in the image, but this manipulation can result in poorer image quality with grainy or low-quality footage.
Digital WDR cameras are cheaper than True WDR cameras since they do not require expensive image sensors.
Which camera is best suited for facial recognition?
WDR cameras produce explicit, high-quality videos or images by automatically fixing lighting issues. One of the best examples of high-quality WDR cameras is:
AXIS M30 Dome Camera Series
The AXIS M30 Dome Camera Series offers affordable mini domes for indoor and outdoor surveillance. The domes feature Lightfinder, Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), and day/night functionality, ensuring good details and high-quality images even in challenging light conditions.
The cameras in this series provide excellent video quality with wide angles and panoramic views for complete situational awareness with a single device.
The cameras are flexible for installation on walls or ceilings, and optional mounting accessories are available.
Alternatives to facial recognition security cameras
While facial recognition technology offers significant advantages, certain businesses might opt against its use due to the potential privacy concerns it raises or its prohibition in some regions and countries.
As a matter of fact, research states that many US cities have banned government use of facial recognition technology due to concerns over its accuracy and privacy.
Moreover, Canada’s federal privacy commissioners and the Ontario Human Rights Commission concur that current law does not adequately regulate facial recognition.
The following are some alternatives to facial recognition technology that businesses may prefer to use:
Motion detection
Technology for facial recognition may be somewhat replaced by motion detection. Indeed, motion detectors detect movement.
When these devices are triggered, alerts are sent to the security team, which can check the security cameras and act according to the situation.
While much less precise than facial recognition security cameras, when paired with security cameras and remote video monitoring, it can be a great perimeter protection solution.
For more reliable perimeter protection solutions, read our blog The 7 Best Business Perimeter Security Solutions: All You Need to Know.
Behavior AI technology
Behavior AI is a fascinating and innovative technology that harnesses the power of AI and analytics to predict consumer behavior based solely on facial gestures.
Its primary purpose is to identify instances of theft by analyzing billions of behavioral cues associated with this crime.
AXIS Face Detector is a supreme substitute for facial recognition technology. It lets people think that their faces are being identified by using face detection on public monitors. It highlights the faces within the bounding boxes by giving the impression of close supervision.
See the Axis Face Detector in action
Summary of its advantages:
- Eliminates the need for expensive analytics or managing watchlists.
- Alerts passers-by that they are being monitored, enhancing a sense of security.
- Promotes a safer environment for both customers and employees.
- Shortens payback periods and increases profits by reducing retail shrinkage.
- Reduces theft and optimizes security resources.
- Can reduce the need for security personnel when installed at store entrances.
- Serves as a cost-effective solution, reducing the need for costly analytics or watchlist management.
- When no face is detected, the monitors can double as digital signage to display promotional ads or pre-set messages.
Benefits of Facial Recognition Security Cameras for Businesses
a) Enhanced Security
Accuracy and security are two critical factors for successfully implementing facial recognition security software.
The software must accurately identify individuals and match them with information in the database while ensuring sensitive information’s security.
With facial recognition security cameras, businesses can establish a robust access control system that ensures only authorized individuals can enter restricted areas.
It minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and provides a valuable audit trail of who enters and exits the premises.
Implementing a facial recognition security system can enhance an organization’s or facility’s overall safety and protection.
This can be accomplished by anticipating threats. The powerful face detection technology makes it simple to identify any suspicious activity.
b) Streamlined Operations
With facial recognition security cameras, high levels of productivity and efficiency can be anticipated.
This technology can streamline operations by automating employee attendance tracking and visitor management tasks, reducing manual processes, and increasing overall efficiency.
It saves ample time and resources by eliminating the need for physical access cards or keys.
c) Avoid mishaps
Facial identification CCTV systems can boost efficiency when performing tasks related to public security.
A facial recognition security system combines surveillance cameras with facial recognition technology, providing an additional layer of security. For example, it can be used to:
- Find missing children and disoriented adults.
- Locate and identify exploited children.
- Identify and track criminals.
- Support and accelerate investigations.
Examples of how facial recognition security cameras are helping businesses
Security cameras, social media photos, gaming systems, and smartphone apps frequently use face recognition technology.
Facial recognition technology is helping businesses enhance their security by accurately identifying individuals and preventing unauthorized access.
Additionally, it is being utilized in marketing strategies to personalize customer experiences and target specific demographics based on facial analysis data.
Many industries love to track your details and want to know who you are, what you like, and what you do not like. The simplest way to do it is to use facial recognition security cameras.
Retail:
With the aid of facial recognition technology, large malls may gather personal data without the individuals’ consent. It might involve identifying emotions, such as those evoked by a specific campaign or item.
Then, a database can be used to store this data, which is eventually sold to merchants to learn about consumer spending patterns. It can also target products at a specific gender or age.
Emotion Research Lab’s facial recognition software captured a consumer’s emotions in real-time while testing a yogurt. The final report includes the critical metrics for observing the main satisfaction level.
This outcome can then enhance the yogurt’s flavor, packaging, or marketing strategy, making it simple for the retail sector to raise customer satisfaction.
In addition, retailers can use facial recognition technology to identify customers in need of assistance and to stop theft.
Hospitality and Entertainment:
Every year, facial technology improves in speed and precision. Businesses, hotels, cinemas, and hospital management can easily confirm identity without needing a physical ID thanks to face prints.
This advancement in facial technology has dramatically enhanced the efficiency and security of various industries.
For instance, hotels can streamline their check-in process by scanning guests’ faces, eliminating the need for traditional identification methods.
Airports and Transportation:
Airport security lines are growing longer as flights resume their busy schedules following the pandemic.
Security checkpoints and airport delays are reduced by using facial recognition technology to automate the identity verification process.
In addition to speed and releasing the burden of manual checking, biometric boarding is convenient.
Some automotive manufacturers are devising ways to use it instead of car keys. Facial recognition technology can potentially revolutionize the transportation industry by eliminating the need for physical ID cards or car keys.
This not only enhances convenience for travelers but also improves overall security measures. Facial recognition technology helps airports and transportation systems by significantly reducing identity theft and fraud.
Healthcare:
In healthcare settings, facial recognition cameras offer advanced features that enable accurate and reliable identification of individuals in various environments.
In hospitals and clinics, it can boost patient care by offering personalized care.
For example, facial recognition technology can match patients’ medical records, ensuring the right treatments and medications are administered.
It can also help prevent medical identity theft and fraud by verifying the identities of healthcare professionals and patients.
Event Management:
Events such as conferences, concerts, and sporting events can benefit from facial recognition technology. It can streamline check-in by quickly identifying attendees and reducing wait times.
Moreover, it can enhance security by identifying individuals on watch lists or those banned from the event, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
Considerations Before Implementing Facial Recognition Security Cameras:
- Privacy concern
We already have facial recognition technology in our homes, such as televisions, mobile phones, and TVs. Passwords and pins are giving way to faceprints. Technology can identify us in our daily activities without our knowledge.
For example, if you buy an Xbox and place it in your living room, it will recognize you, log you in, and suggest games based on your preferences.
There are no privacy issues here, but some social media sites also sell personal information to numerous industries, violating privacy.
Hackers are interested in that information once a company or the government builds a database of faces.
Risks associated with facial recognition technology include potential misuse of personal data and privacy issues. According to a report published in March last year, the FBI secretly stored about 50% of adult Americans’ photos in facial recognition databases.
- Cost
When considering the cost of a facial recognition security system, weighing its benefits in terms of enhanced security and peace of mind is essential.
- Accuracy and Reliability
Facial recognition technology can face challenges in accurately identifying individuals, especially in scenarios with variations in lighting conditions, pose, facial expressions, and image quality.
False positives and negatives can occur, leading to potential errors in identity verification.
Can we fool facial recognition technology?
A report from May 2018 states that 117 million American adults have pictures of their faces in one or more police databases. The technology is still far from ideal, and there is evidence that many facial recognition algorithms already produce far more false positives on faces of people of color.
The ease with which facial recognition security software can be tricked has been shown in numerous YouTube videos. Researchers have already created anti-facial recognition glasses, and they are very effective.
Adam Harvey has developed a method that is effective and includes distinctive hair and makeup. He proposed an asymmetrical haircut and the opposite of traditional makeup.
He inverts the look by making the eyes light, the cheeks darker, and the hair covering the forehead and the bridge of the nose. All of this is quite the opposite of what the facial recognition sensors are looking for and works to block the facial recognition sensors.
Wearing a black glove, keeping your hand close to your cheek, and pasting a picture on one of the sides of your sunglasses are some other hilarious, foolproof methods that have worked wonders.
But hold onto hope—Canadian security departments also use high-end facial recognition programs tailored to specific needs and requirements.
To ensure maximum security, these sophisticated facial recognition tools include cutting-edge features.
They have robust data encryption and privacy measures to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.
Where to place facial recognition security cameras
Entrances and Exits:
Install security cameras with facial recognition technology at entry and exit points to accurately identify and authenticate each person.
Installing thermal cameras with facial recognition technology can also be a smart choice for areas with insufficient lighting. Establishing a reliable access control system lowers the risk of unauthorized entry.
Zones with High Traffic:
Install cameras in high-traffic areas like lobbies, hallways, and gathering places. It increases the likelihood of obtaining facial information for tracking and identification purposes.
Point-of-Sale (POS) areas and cash registers:
Installing face recognition cameras close to cash registers or POS areas will be ideal for running a retail business. It can prevent theft, keep track of employee transactions, and offer actual proof in the event of fraudulent activity.
Parking Lots and Outdoor Spaces:
You could put face recognition security cameras in areas of your business with parking lots or outdoor spaces to deal with security issues.
It can track the movement of vehicles and look out for odd behavior to enhance overall security.
Staff restricted area:
Protecting sensitive employee-only areas is essential for maintaining confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access. Placing face recognition cameras in these zones ensures that only authorized personnel gain entry.
Perimeter and Boundary:
You can install facial recognition security cameras at the perimeter and boundaries of your property to monitor and track individuals entering or exiting the premises. It enhances overall security and acts as a deterrent to potential threats.
FAQs
Can security cameras have face recognition ?
Yes, security cameras can have facial recognition technology. It enables the cameras to detect and match facial features to a list of faces already provided.
High-resolution imaging capabilities, sophisticated image processing algorithms, and the capacity to capture distinct and in-depth facial features are all necessary requirements for facial recognition cameras.
The Nest Doorbell, for instance, can only recognize people you add to your list of “familiar faces.” Depending on the photo’s quality, face recognition may need to be more accurate when using grainy CCTV footage.
How do face recognition security cameras work?
By mapping facial features and comparing them to a database of recognized faces, facial recognition technology can identify human faces.
It collects and analyzes facial traits from images or videos using biometrics. It captures a face and compares the facial geography to a database of known faces.
Face recognition involves face detection, mapping, and feature comparison.
What is face detection in a security camera?
Security cameras use face detection to capture, analyze, and compare patterns based on a person’s facial features.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer technology can find and recognize human faces in digital images and video thanks to security cameras with face detection capabilities.
Face detection technology is frequently used for real-time surveillance and person tracking.
What is the difference between facial recognition and face surveillance?
Because of face recognition, you can unlock a smartphone by simply showing it your face. For instance, Facebook and Google Photos can tell who is in a picture. Face recognition is finding a face and then matching it against a database of recognized images.
The next phase of facial recognition is surveillance, which is already available on some types of home cameras and in some commercial security operations.
Face surveillance systems use computer programs to identify and track people at a distance without their knowledge or consent by analyzing images of human faces.
Which security camera has the best AI ?
Security cameras with facial recognition software are used to recognize and authenticate people based on their facial features. The best facial recognition security cameras are the
- Canary Pro
- Nest Cam IQ Indoor
- Arlo Pro 3
- Ring Stick Up Cam Wired
The Arlo Pro 3 offers a variety of detection modes with their subscription service, Arlo Smart Home, including detection for people, packages, animals, and vehicles.
How accurate are face recognition cameras?
Facial recognition cameras are an exact and effective tool. The facial recognition output is 99% accurate, according to research.
Although facial recognition produces accurate results, it is still influenced by factors like camera quality, lighting, and not all features are visible in a full-face shot.
Sometimes facial recognition systems are biased against certain groups of people due to skin color detection problems.
What can facial recognition detect?
The Smart Detection feature of face detection is used to determine whether a face has appeared in a video feed. In particular, the area between the eyes is used to identify the shape of a face using video analytics.
When a face is found, the camera takes a picture of the information and sends it to your NVR, which is analyzed and processed to enhance functionality.
How far away does facial recognition work?
Facial recognition can be carried out continuously over very long distances, making it so intriguing. These systems can recognize people even in crowded settings from a distance of several meters.
They are frequently used in applications like crowd control, surveillance, and security checkpoints in public places like airports. U.S. military face recognition technology could recognize individuals from one kilometer away.
Does facial recognition work with the eyes closed?
Face recognition technology typically requires the eyes to be open for accurate identification. Although some cutting-edge systems can still detect some facial features even with closed eyes, the accuracy of the recognition process may be reduced by closed eyes.
Is facial recognition used for shoplifting?
Shoplifting can occasionally be stopped using facial recognition technology. Some retailers use face recognition technology to find known shoplifters or monitor unusual behavior.
However, privacy and consent issues may arise if facial recognition technology is used to prevent shoplifting.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is used by face recognition security cameras to recognize and authenticate people based on their facial features.
Although the use of this technology may improve security and the customer experience, it also raises issues with privacy, data protection, and potential abuse.
Face recognition is a powerful surveillance technology. If the appropriate rules are followed, you can use it for your business.
When thinking about installing security cameras, it is crucial to be aware of the regulations in place for facial recognition technology.
Please share your thoughts on how you protect your company’s data and privacy while using facial recognition technology.
