In recent years, the facial recognition technology market has seen an astronomic boom. With a value size of roughly 5 billion U.S. dollars back in 2021, the industry is expected to continue growing, totalling 2.67 billion U.S. dollars by 2028. Some of the key factors driving this steady growth include technological developments such as 3D recognition systems and cloud-based solutions coupled with the increase of cybercrime. In what follows, we take a look at the technology, its benefits and the industries leveraging the technology for enhanced security.
How does facial recognition work?
When we talk about facial recognition, we talk about a form of biometric technology whose purpose is to identify and verify the identity of a person. This is done by analysing and comparing his or her facial features. Facial recognition software uses algorithms to analyse the unique patterns and characteristics of someone’s face like the shape of the nose, the distance between the eyes and the contours of their cheeks.
Usually, facial recognition technology entails three main steps: detection, alignment and recognition. Firstly, the technology will detect and locate a person’s face within an image or video frame. Secondly, it will align the face to a standardised format for an accurate analysis. And, finally, it will compare the facial features against a database of known faces to verify the individual’s identity.
Enhanced security and the various benefits of facial recognition technology
Minimising risk is one of the main benefits of facial recognition technology. At airports, border crossings and other high-security zones, the technology can help to detect and prevent potential security breaches. Compared to more traditional security measures like fingerprinting, facial recognition doesn’t require as many human resources. It operates automatically and smoothly, making identification processes faster than usual.
Facial recognition can be also incredibly useful for carrying out everyday tasks such as unlocking mobile phones and smart devices, accessing bank accounts and login into other online services—all without the need to provide physical identification documents.
Despite the many benefits, facial recognition technology has triggered concerns and criticism. Some argue that it can pose a threat to personal privacy, and people might feel as if their behaviour is constantly under surveillance. Furthermore, facial recognition databases aren’t invulnerable to data breaches.
The industries benefiting from facial recognition technology
Nowadays, facial recognition technology has several applications, from security and law enforcement to marketing and social media. There are several other lesser-known use cases, including the hospitality and iGaming industries.
In the hospitality sector, facial recognition technology is helping hotel staff to improve their customers’ experience by making processes more efficient and secure. Two Marriott hotels in China now offer the option to head directly to a facial recognition booth, where guests’ faces are scanned and a room key card is issued upon verification. Not only does this enable customers to bypass the usual check-in desk, but it also speeds up the process significantly.
The iGaming industry, which encompasses online casinos and sportsbooks, is also making good use of facial recognition technology. Sites offering real money pokies utilise the technology to combat identity fraud, cheating, problem gambling and money laundering as well as to provide players with a two-factor authentication method to safely access their accounts.
To conclude, facial recognition technology offers enhanced security and several other benefits for our everyday lives. Many industries are benefiting from this technology, from law enforcement to the hospitality and iGaming sectors. In the future, we’ll likely see even more use cases for this type of technology.
