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(Image source: FBI)
BY ERIK SHUTE
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security might never "forget a face again." Unsealed documents
show the antiterrorism arm has extended its reach into surveillance cameras capable of
identifying citizens using just their facial features.
The plan is codenamed "BOSS" and stands for the Biometric Optical Surveillance System.
After two years in development, it was first tested in Fall 2012.
According to the 67-page document, the BOSS would use two towers with "robotic camera
structures." Using infrared vision and distance sensors, the cameras would snap pictures of
potential "subjects." A computer controlling the entire process would register the faces
at multiple angles and then counter the images against a watch-list database. (Via Department
of Homeland Security)
That database would consist of photos and images from US passports, driver licenses
and mugshots currently being compiled by FBI's "Next Generation Identification" system. (Via
FBI)
According to the New York Times, initial tests were able to calculate a 60 - 70% certainty
rate the subject was a match in the database. Though the results are favorable, a Michigan
State University biometrics expert explains to Ars Technica uncontrollable factors are
affecting accuracy. (Via Ars Technica)
"... the holy grail of pulling a face off video footage remains generally difficult.
This is particularly true when the known target is not 'cooperative'—meaning, not in a controlled,
well-lit environment where the target is looking straight at the camera with a blank expression."
Two events brought about the DHS's transparency. The first being the repercussions of NSA leaker
Edward Snowden and the second: the attack on Boston this year where police used CCTV
footage to identify and initiate a manhunt for the suspects. (Via The Guardian and New
Limited Network)
But transparency won't quiet privacy advocates who say the system needs oversight. In the
New York Times report, Ginger McCall who made a request for documentation on BOSS says... (Via
The New York Times)
"This technology is always billed as antiterrorism, but then it drifts into other applications.
We need a real conversation about whether and how we want this technology to be used,
and now is the time for that debate."
DHS has spent more than $5.1 million on the project. Experts can only speculate when
faster, better technology will catch up with the demand for facial scanning. The current
guess is that the system could be operational within the next five years.