Facial Recognition

            Facial Recognition: A Way of Improving Authentication and Privacy Issues.
            
             Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, biometric facial recognition has become a hot topic in many news articles and websites. This paper will focus on the many privacy issues that privacy advocates have with biometrics and facial recognition systems; both positive and negative. We will also take a look at some earlier and current uses of facial recognition systems. Finally, we will conclude with a recommendation, as to how these privacy issues can be resolved. .
             Biometrics.
             Biometrics is the use of individual's physical or behavioral characteristics to uniquely identify them for authentication or identifications purposes. Types of biometrics include: fingerprints, hand geometry, retina and iris patterns, facial recognition, signature, voice, and keystroke patterns. This method of identification is preferred over traditional methods involving passwords and Pin numbers for various reason: (1) the person to be identified is required to be physically present at the point-of identification; (2) identification based on biometric techniques obviates the need to remember a password or carry a token. With the increased use of computers as vehicles of information technology, it is necessary to restrict access to sensitive or personal data. By replacing PINs, biometric technology can potentially prevent unauthorized access to or fraudulent use of ATMs, cellular phones, smart cards, desktop PCs, workstations, and computer networks. PINs and passwords may be forgotten, and token based methods of identification like passports and driver's licenses may be forged, stolen, or lost. Thus biometric systems of identification are enjoying a renew interest. .
             Facial Recognition.
             One of the fastest growing areas of the biometric industry is facial recognition. Facial recognition is the identification of individuals by the unique characteristics of their faces such as: the distances and angles between geometric points on the face, the ends of the mouth, and the nostrils and eye corners.