Automated Face Recognition: If It Is So Accurate, Why Do We Hear of Wrongful Arrests?

Automated Face Recognition: If It Is So Accurate, Why Do We Hear of Wrongful Arrests?

Abstract: Face recognition continues to grow in popularity as a key enabler of biometric authentication. This technology is becoming an integral part of everyday lives as it is used to access smartphones and even board aircraft. While independent tests confirm impressive gains in the overall accuracy of the technology, concerns remain as it relates to the measured disparity in performance relative to various demographic groups and the sources of large data repositories needed for development. Further, there have been calls to completely ban the technology due to concerns over how it is used by the federal government, law enforcement, and even private/commercial entities. This talk will discuss salient aspects of face recognition technology development and the unforeseen consequences of its use (e.g., wrongful arrests and denial of services.)

Bio: Dr. Michael King joined the Florida Institute of Technology's Harris Institute for Assured Information as a Research Scientist in 2015 and holds a joint appointment as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering and Sciences.

Before joining academia, Dr. King served for more than 10 years as a scientific research/program management professional in the United States Intelligence Community. While in government, Dr. King created, directed, and managed research portfolios covering various topics related to biometrics and identity, including advanced exploitation algorithm development, advanced sensors and acquisition systems, and computational imaging. He crafted and led the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity's (IARPA) Biometric Exploitation Science and Technology (BEST) Program to transition technology deliverables successfully to several Government organizations.

Recognized as an expert in biometrics and identity intelligence, he has been invited to brief the Director of National Intelligence, Congressional staffers and science advisers, the Defense Science Board, and the Intelligence Science Board. He also served as Intelligence Community Department Lead to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Biometrics and Identity Management (2005 - 2012).

(Date Posted: 2023-10-06)