A company called The Astonishing Tribe is in the process of developing an innovative application for the Google Android platform that will identify individuals by simply pointing your mobile phone at them.
The application prototype employs a sophisticated 3D model to recognize facial features. Once the facial features are captured, the application searches its server to find a match. Upon finding a match, it superimposes that person’s social networking details around his or her face. Check out the video of it in action below.
How the Technology Works
The technology behind this application is quite fascinating. The 3D model used for facial recognition is designed to capture intricate details of a person’s face, such as the distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, and the contour of the jawline. These details are then converted into a digital signature that is unique to each individual. This digital signature is compared against a database of stored facial features to find a match.
Once a match is found, the application retrieves the person’s social networking information from various platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This information is then displayed around the person’s face in real-time, providing a comprehensive view of their online presence.
Privacy Concerns and Ethical Implications
While the application seems groundbreaking and offers numerous possibilities, it also raises significant privacy concerns. The idea of someone pointing their mobile phone at you and instantly accessing your personal information can be unsettling. This brings up questions about consent and the ethical implications of such technology.
For instance, would you feel comfortable knowing that a stranger could find out who you are, where you work, and other personal details just by scanning your face? This could potentially lead to misuse of information, stalking, or even identity theft. Therefore, it is crucial for developers to implement stringent privacy measures and give users control over what information is accessible.
Moreover, the application could be a double-edged sword in professional settings. On one hand, it could facilitate networking by allowing people to quickly learn about each other. On the other hand, it could also lead to biased judgments based on someone’s online presence, which may not always be an accurate representation of their professional capabilities.
Despite these concerns, the potential applications of this technology are vast. For example, it could be used in security settings to quickly identify individuals in restricted areas. Retailers could use it to offer personalized shopping experiences by recognizing loyal customers and tailoring offers specifically for them.
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
via Dvice
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