Face recognition is poised to revolutionize airport security, and all signs point to the fact that it will become one of the most widely adopted technologies in airports over the next five years. The technology is also being adopted worldwide. Dubai is planning a walk-through tunnel with 80 face recognition cameras for travelers, and Panama has installed FaceFirst’s Guardian face recognition system in Tocumen International Airport, amounting to the largest airport face recognition system on Earth. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agency has been using face recognition in some of its busiest airports for some time, and some airlines have already gotten on board to expedite entry for some travelers.
So why is this technology inevitable? Here are five reasons why we expect every major airport to be using face recognition in the near future.
Intelligent Threat Detection
The human brain can only recall an average of 1,500 faces. It’s virtually impossible to memorize the face of every individual that may pose a threat to airport security. But facial recognition systems can instantly match travelers against a database of potential terrorists and wanted criminals. The moment that there is a match, security can be instantly alerted.
Convenience
As anyone who has ever had to remove their shoes while traveling can attest, sometimes safety and convenience don’t go hand in hand. When it comes to airport security, a holy grail technology is one that can keep travelers safer while simultaneously making air travel more convenient. Face recognition fits the bill! Imagine a future in which check-in is instantaneous. Face recognition can make that happen. And when combined with advanced X-Ray technologies for bags, going through airport security may seem more like a walk in the park than waiting in a line.
Anti-Profiling
One of the best things about face recognition is that it doesn’t profile by race, country of origin, gender, age or other factors. This has wide-reaching implications, considering that the TSA has been accused of profiling in the past. The truth is that a terrorist or dangerous criminal can look like anyone. That’s why it is so important to embrace technologies that can instantly detect threats based on evidence, rather than human bias or speculation.
Rescue Missions
Face recognition doesn’t just recognize criminals, but also those in need of help, including missing children and victims of human trafficking. It can therefore make it a lot harder for criminals to travel abroad with individuals they have kidnapped.
Integrated Data
A robust database is one of the keys to a successful face recognition installation. The FaceFirst system offers the ability to integrate data from a variety of public and private sources in order to provide airports with a comprehensive list of potential threats.
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