What’s the difference between Facial Recognition and Facial Verification?

Conventional facial recognition will typically compare a user’s facial biometrics against a large database of users. This creates a 1:N match, where N represents the total number of users in the database. In conventional facial recognition, individuals who have not consented to the process will have their biometric information without their consent, which creates privacy concerns. In general terms the camera is trying to figure out “Who are you?”.

Active Witness’ Facial Verification is performed by users that display their identity claim (QR-code, keyfob, mobile access) to the camera. The camera then compares the biometric information that it has in its database to confirm that the biometric information of the individual matches the identity claim. This creates a 1:1 match. All users are consenting to their biometric scan, thus eliminating privacy concerns. In general the camera is trying to determine, “Are you, who you say you are?”.

Please see our video resources for further information at https://activewitness.com/video-library/