Facial Recognition System: FRS
Facial Recognition System (FRS) will be implemented in a phased manner in the country.
The system will be installed in the first phase at Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune, Vijayawada, Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad airports by March 2023.
- The FRS is part of the DIGI Yatra initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This system will provide hassle free and hassle free travel experience to passengers at airports. Also, it will improve the security system.
- With this initiative, the government is looking to digitize ticket booking, airport premises entry, boarding pass, security check-in etc.
- A face recognition system (FRS) is a method of identifying or verifying a person’s identity using a person’s face. It can be used to identify people in photos, videos or in real-time.
- Computer algorithms map or map specific features on the face, such as the shape of the cheekbone (bone below the eye), the shape of the lips, etc. They then convert these into a numerical code called a faceprint.
- The system then compares the “faceprint” with a large existing database of faceprints, for verification or identification.
Applications of Facial Recognition System (FRS):
- This will enable automatic processing at checkpoints like entry points, security checks etc.
- This will help in investigation of crime, and it will provide information for easier and faster analysis.
- It will help in identification of criminals, missing children/persons, unidentified dead bodies etc.
Concerns related to FRS:
- The government can use it for comprehensive surveillance,
- This may result in a breach of privacy,
- Since there is no data protection law in India yet, due process can be violated in its absence.
Source- The Hindu
