Your IP address () and location () are vulnerable to tracking. Conceal your identity now. Install dfndr vpn.

The Future of Facial Recognition Software

Movies and sitcoms make facial recognition software seem extra creepy. Well, it kind of is. See what's brewing for our future...

Facial recognition software isn’t used solely to “get the bad guy,” even if that’s how it’s typically used on TV. In the real world, facial recognition software has many more applications — and they aren’t what you think.

This software has been used by various marketing firms for years. The Venetian Resort, Hotel, and Casino in Las Vegas utilized the technology to suggest attractions for visitors. Billboards and signage with the tech has popped up over the years, offering highly targeted messages to passersby.

Read More: Why Are Credit Card Chips Safer Than Swiping?

Google Glass was very careful about steering clear of facial recognition software when it came to their product. Unfortunately, it wasn’t only up to them. Stephen Balaban created his own software to do just that, while Michael DiGiovanni developed a program that let users quietly take images — with a wink.

Mobile phones, at least for Samsung, include a facial recognition component. The Face Unlock feature gives users the option to use their face to unlock their phone. Google has been working on Silly-Face Unlock, where a user’s funny expression can unlock their phone, with a few “live” twists to thwart would-be snoopers. It’s just one in a long line of Google’s patents for unusual and interesting projects that might not go anywhere — but it does show how the tech could be used on mobile applications.

Moscow festivals goers could opt in to a new bit of facial recognition software from NTechLab (a Moscow-based company) by sending a selfie. Then, the people behind the festival used this software to pick out participants from the crowd and send them an image right to their phone.

Then, of course, there’s Uniqul. Sure, you’ve paid with PayPal and the Square app, but have you ever paid using facial recognition software? You may pay at any Uniqul terminal by walking up to it, selecting a card from your Cloud wallet, and pressing “Okay.” Talk about “hands-free.”

Face of the Future

It’s easy to feel as though facial recognition software is creepy or wrong, but at the same time, think of the massive amounts of images, video, and text that pass through social media networks. People are already sharing heaps of personal information without a second thought. Used correctly, this software could make it easy to pay for purchases, secure our phones, and catch the crooks.

Keep your phone safe from viruses and malware. Install PSafe Total for advanced protection you can count on.