There has been a lot of speculation on how the combination of artificial intelligence and facial recognition will affect the future. This speculation focuses on how this technology will be intrusive of our privacy rights.
It sounds scary
It sounds a bit scary when you first think about it. Anytime you are at an event, a mall, or even within a city, the cameras are watching. When you combine these cameras with facial recognition, the whole context changes. Government and even businesses will know who you are and where you are.
Think about walking into a store. The computers will be able to identify you if you have been there before. If you previously bought something, then the computers will know your name. They know what you purchased. They know whatever other information they may have been able to get from you when you made the purchase. Scary.
Think about going to a concert. When you scan your ticket, the computers will be able to identify you and track you when you are at the venue. The machines will be able to track your movements, your actions, and what you buy. No doubt, this information will be used to create an environment in which you will be apt to spend more money. Scary.
It sounds scary because it is scary. We accept that our mobile phones track us. But with these devices, we have the option to hit the power switch. We can turn them off, and we are free. But tracking with facial recognition cannot be turned off, and we have no control over the use of the information.
The Power of Good in Facial Recognition is real
Think about walking into a store. You will have incredible security and safety. You can let your children look at the toys without having to stand by within arms reach because you are wary of their safety. You know that anyone with a criminal record will already have the attention of security. The computers already know that those children belong to you. The machines will notify security if someone who does not belong approaches your kids while they are playing. But it would not even come to this because everyone will know that they can’t get away with crime in the building. The signs at the door already warn of this. Facial recognition and AI will prevent crime. It will eradicate crime because there is virtually no chance to get away with any crime.
Think about going to a concert. There will be no threat of terrorism. Facial recognition will let security know anytime that a suspected terrorist comes near the stadium. What if one of your children goes missing at the venue? Instead of frantically looking for your child, you can report to the nearest security desk and have them locate your child and reunite you. But, you will not even need to do this. The AI can be programmed to recognize that your child is lost and distressed. Your child would likely be returned to you before you even know she was missing.
Think about the overall effect on crime.
To reiterate – IA combined with facial recognition – will eradicate many types of crime. Today, it is difficult to even think about getting away with shoplifting in Walmart. There are cameras everywhere. Only a fool would try to shoplift when they know that the chances of getting caught are nearly 100%.
If this premise holds, then AI and facial recognition will get better and better. Society will soon understand that it is virtually impossible to get away with stealing a car, kidnapping, theft, or almost every crime.
People will no longer have to lock their doors. People will not have to worry about getting held up on the street. There will be no more drunk driving because the person who had too much to drink will get intercepted before they get on the highway.
