Camera Unfriendly: make-up designed to combat CCTV/facial recognition software

Across the world, cameras follow our every move, both to prevent crime and collect data. Uniting with Big Brother, law enforcers, shops and social networks are also increasingly using facial-recognition software. Ways to combat this technology are now being introduced, in an attempt to prevent unnecessary invasion of privacy.

State-of-the-art surveillance cameras incorporate high-definition sensors, featuring 29 megapixels, surpassing many cameras used by professional photographers. The HDCCTV Alliance has predicted that these cameras will rise to over 3.7 million in the UK by 2016. It recently emerged that many shop mannequins were collecting data on shoppers, by using EyeSee tracking that records the age, gender and race of passers-by through a hidden camera. Following a review by Ireland’s data protection commissioner, social networking site Facebook received numerous complaints from users, forcing a suspension of its facial-recognition tool that suggested when users could be tagged in photographs.

It has since been discovered that heavy make-up, a mask incorporating LED lights, or even tilting your head at a 15-degree angle, will fool such software into thinking you do not have a face and your likeness will not therefore be subsumed by similar systems.

Photographer, Grey, is intrigued by this subject and believes that fashion and youth culture can end this unwelcome intrusion. If individuals wear creative make-up to disrupt facial recognition, technology will no longer be able to track them and obtain information. However, it is vital that the make-up is stylish, complementing both the wearer and their outfit, whilst also being on-trend. Grey photographed a series of images developed from this concept, with each look representing a season of the year.

Effective masks have been cleverly painted around the eyes of the models, producing a distraction which successfully counteracts recognition software. The varied designs also create glamorous, mystical and futuristic appearances, giving the make-up both a functional and decorative purpose. Just think how this strategy would liven up one’s morning routine!

Rebekah Absalom
Photos: Grey

Make-up by Hattie Anne Florie. Models: Jess Phypers, Chloe Wainwright, Kimberley Baker, Lewis Good.