Scientists in Japan have developed a pair of glasses that block facial recognition software found in CCTV camaras.
The device, called a ‘Privacy Visor’, lets the user remain anonymous by thwarting cameras that use facial recognition technology
The headset is equipped with an infared light source that effectively blocks facial recognition software in cameras, without adversely affecting the wearer’s vision at all.
Law enforcers, shops and social networks are increasingly using facial-recognition software.
The prototype spectacles have been designed by scientists at Tokyo’s National Institute of Informatics.
The Institute said in a statement that the Privacy Visor was developed to combat the the invasive nature of facial recognition tech, which is now used by everyone from retail outlets to social networks to bank ATMs to law enforcement agencies.
Prof Isao Echizen said: “As a result of developments in facial recognition technology in Google images, Facebook et cetera and the popularisation of portable terminals that append photos with photographic information [geotags]… essential measures for preventing the invasion of privacy caused by photographs taken in secret and unintentional capture in camera images is now required.”
The near-infrared light “appends noise to photographed images without affecting human visibility,” he said.
