Masks can fool facial recognition systems, but the algorithms are learning fast

OTI senior policy counsel Lauren Sarkesian is quoted in Vox on how facial recognition software having to adapt to work properly on faces wearing masks points to larger issues in the use of the technology.

Masks aren’t the first time facial recognition has been noted for inaccuracies. For years, facial recognition systems have been flagged for being disproportionately inaccurate on women, people of color, and especially women with darker skin. Lauren Sarkesian, a senior policy counsel at the think tank New America’s Open Technology Institute, told Recode that the issue of masks and facial recognition serves as a reminder that the technology remains broadly unregulated in the United States, and we often don’t even know when it’s in use. While some localities have passed laws regulating or banning government use of the technology, there is still no national law regulating facial recognition, though there are several proposals.

“This technology is dangerous — both when it works and when it doesn’t,” Sarkesian said, “because as these accuracy issues are resolved in the algorithms, the surveillance power of the facial recognition technology grows.”