Facial Recognition: What it is, how it works, and how to use it safely

Facial Recognition

What it is

Facial recognition is a way to identify or unlock something using your face - similar to a fingerprint, but with a camera. It maps your facial features into a numerical template and compares that template to a stored one. For a deeper look at pros, cons, and use cases, see our  
facial recognition explainer

How it works

  • Capture: a camera snaps your face (photo or video).

  • Template: software measures landmarks (eyes, nose, angles, texture) to create a faceprint.

  • Match: that faceprint is compared to a database or your device’s secure storage to decide unlock / no match.

Where it’s used

  • Phones & laptops: fast unlock and payments

  • Airports & stadiums: identity checks and watchlists

  • Retail & banking: login, fraud prevention, VIP/service flows

Risks & limits

  • Privacy: images can be stored, shared, or breached.

  • Bias & accuracy: lighting, camera quality, and demographic bias affect results.

  • Spoofing: simple systems can be fooled by photos or masks; stronger ones use liveness checks (depth/IR/motion).

Stay in control

  • Use liveness-enabled systems (depth/IR) and keep devices updated.

  • Prefer on-device matching over cloud storage when possible.

  • Review permissions/policies: who keeps your image, for how long, and why?

  • Have a fallback (PIN/password) and rotate it regularly.

  • In sensitive contexts, ask for alternatives (manual ID, passkeys, security keys).

    Glossary (A–Z)

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