Get the latest tech news

How much do I need to change my face to avoid facial recognition?

A hat and sunglasses may not be enough to fool the most sophisticated facial recognition algorithms.

Major advances have been made in facial recognition algorithms through the use of sophisticated artificial neural networks, which achieve remarkably high matching accuracies across a wide range of appearances for a single individual. If the acquired photo has a frontal pose, with a neutral expression, good lighting, and a controlled background, basic evasion techniques such as cosmetics, adding/removing facial hair, changing hairstyle, etc., will not work. Some individuals’ face appearance is more common and more similar to others, thus a relatively small makeup modification might be sufficient to misrecognize him as someone else.Schubmehl-Prein Family Professor of Computer Science & Engineering; University of Notre Dame

Get the Android app