At Facewatch, we’re big on using tech to help make businesses and people safer. That’s why we’ve developed a cool new facial recognition system powered by AI to tackle the problem of repeat shoplifting in UK shops. It’s like having airport security on your high street, and we’re committed to helping businesses beef up their security while respecting everyone’s rights and privacy.

The Need for Better Security

There’s been a worrying increase in shoplifting and violence in stores lately, and we need more effective ways to stop crime in its tracks. Our AI facial recognition tech provides a proactive solution to catch repeat offenders and make shopping safer for customers and staff. By harnessing the power of AI, we hope to cut down on theft and other crimes that can harm businesses and communities.

Here’s How Our Facial Recognition System Works

Our facial recognition system is designed to be easy to use, giving store managers an essential tool to fight shoplifting. Here’s a simple rundown of how it works:

1. Capture and Analysis: If an item gets nicked, store managers review the security camera footage to identify the thief.
2. Database Comparison: Our system uses top-notch digital camera technology to compare the faces of people entering the store with a database of known bad guys.
3. Incident Logging: The store manager logs into our secure system, reviews the footage to identify the suspect, and records the incident.
4. Real-time Alerts: Once an incident is logged, our system starts real-time monitoring. If the person tries to come back into the store, the store manager gets an immediate alert on their mobile device, allowing them to take action.
5. Collaboration and Wider Impact: For repeat offenders or high-value thefts, our system lets stores share biometric data with other local stores using our tech, leading to a collective effort against crime.

We Respect Privacy and Human Rights

Security is our priority, but we also respect privacy and human rights. Here’s how we make sure our facial recognition system is used ethically:

Accuracy and Human Validation

Our system is continuously tweaked for accuracy and checked by a team of “super-recognizers”. This way, we can minimize the chances of falsely identifying someone as a shoplifter.

Transparent Implementation

We’re all about being transparent and accountable. Stores using our system have to display a sign letting customers know about it, so people can choose whether to enter or not.

Data Retention and Security

We take the protection of personal info very seriously. We only keep shopper data for two weeks – half the usual time for typical CCTV systems in the UK. This way, we balance preventing crime with protecting privacy.

Bias Elimination and Ethical AI

We know there are concerns about bias in AI tech. That’s why we’ve put a lot of work into making sure our facial recognition system isn’t biased. Our AI tech operates without bias, giving accurate and fair results.

Striking the Right Balance

While there are concerns about using AI facial recognition, we believe it can be used for good without compromising privacy or human rights. Our system is designed to protect businesses and their customers from repeat offenders. It’s an effective way to prevent crime while respecting individual privacy.

What’s Next?

We’re excited to be receiving more and more requests for our facial recognition system, and we’re looking to expand our services beyond the UK. We’re looking into opportunities to implement our tech in the US. By promoting ethical AI and refining our systems, we hope to set a global standard for improving security in stores.

At Facewatch, we’re all about using cutting-edge tech to make a positive difference. Our AI facial recognition tech helps businesses protect their assets, staff, and customers from repeat offenders. By using AI responsibly and in line with legal and ethical guidelines, we’re helping to create a safer future for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How accurate is the facial recognition system?

Our facial recognition system is highly accurate, but to maintain the highest level of precision, it is constantly fine-tuned and validated by our team of human “super-recognizers”. This team double-checks the system’s matches to minimize any chance of false positives.

2. How does the system ensure privacy?

We value privacy. The system retains shoppers’ data for only two weeks, half the time compared to standard CCTV systems in the UK. We maintain a strict timeframe to balance crime prevention with privacy protection.

3. How is transparency maintained?

Businesses that install our facial recognition system are required by law to display a sign informing customers about its use. This allows customers to make informed choices about entering the premises.

4. How does the system avoid AI bias?

Our team has put significant effort into ensuring that our facial recognition system is free from bias. We continuously refine and train our AI algorithms to minimize the potential for discriminatory outcomes. Our AI technology operates without bias, providing accurate and fair results.

5. Can this system be used outside the UK?

While currently we are focused on UK stores, we are actively exploring opportunities to expand our services globally, including the United States.

6. What happens if a recognized offender tries to reenter a store?

Once an incident is logged into our system, real-time monitoring is activated. If the identified individual attempts to reenter the store, the system sends an immediate alert to the store manager’s mobile device, enabling them to take appropriate action.

7. What is the role of the “super-recognizers”?

“Super-recognizers” are members of our team who have exceptional skill in recognizing faces. They double-check the matches made by the AI system against our database of known offenders. This adds an additional layer of accuracy and reduces the chances of false identification.

Source From CNN Business