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What your dog’s facial expressions really mean

This is what your dog’s body language really means Whether they’re running and playing at the dog park or giving a warning growl, dogs seem like they’re pretty good at communicating with one another, but what do your dog’s facial expressions really mean? Over thousands of years of living with humans, dogs have developed a range of facial expressions, and they’ve become pretty good at communicating with us too. We have a way to go before dog-to-human interaction is fluent in both directions, but fortunately, there are experts out there who have dedicated their lives to figuring out dog body language and dog expressions. It turns out, there’s a big difference between how your dog talks to other dogs and how it talks to you. Some studies even show that dogs prefer happy human faces to angry ones, so maybe they really do know what we’re thinking! Making eye contact A perfect example of the dichotomy between dog-to-dog and dog-to-human facial expressions is eye contact. Between dogs, eye contact signals aggression, according to dog sitting site Wag. Between humans, eye contact is an integral part of communication. We reward eye contact from other humans as well as dogs. After humans domesticated them, dogs developed an array of facial expressions. They also acquired the ability to use their gaze to win approval from and show love for their humans. Breaking eye contact Understanding what your dog’s facial expressions really mean also involves knowing what it means when your pooch breaks eye contact. When dogs stare at each other, they’re engaging in a power struggle that won’t end until one or the other breaks the gaze – and a fight could break out. With humans, dogs are perfectly comfortable breaking eye contact, and in no way is it a prelude to trouble. Rather, it indicates a comfortable rapport between a dog and its person. Blinking or squinting during eye contact If a dog blinks while making eye contact with you, it may be contemplating what you’re thinking, according to veterinarian Danielle Bernal. This dog expression might show up if you’ve just given a command. The same is true of squinting during eye contact, says Michael Schoeff, the proprietor of Premier Pups. “I’d read it as a sign of appeasement,” he says. “And that’s a good thing. Your dog lives to appease his human.” Squinting or blinking in general You’ve probably wondered why your dog makes weird faces. It could be because something is wrong. Squinting and repetitive blinking can mean something entirely different when a dog is not looking into your eyes, Schoeff explains. Squinting can signal pain or illness, and rapid blinking can indicate stress or fear. Fun fact: When a dog opens its eyes wide at another dog, it can signal aggression. Eyebrow-raising When your dog raises one eyebrow – or both – while making eye contact, it’s a sign of alertness and interest, says Schoeff. Here’s an opportunity for you to engage with your pup, maybe teach it a new trick. Do dogs mimic facial expressions? Try giving them the old eyebrow wiggle and see what happens! Avoiding eye contact A dog who avoids eye contact is likely having trust issues. “Dogs are aware that eye contact with humans signals trust and comfort,” Schoeff explains. A dog that avoids eye contact with humans is doing his best to avoid any kind of interaction, whether negative or positive. This can be common in rescue dogs, especially those who have had a tough life before finding their forever homes. Tilting its head That adorable head tilt? It’s exactly what it looks like, according to Schoeff: It means your dog is curious. Lowering its head When your dog lowers or bows its head while gazing up at you, it’s an act of submission, explains Schoeff. It’s not all that different from blinking or squinting during eye contact. Flattening its ears Watch it: This isn’t a good sign. If you see a dog pulling both ears tight against his head, it could be a sign of aggression or of fear. Alternatively, it could be a sign your dog has an ear infection, says Schoeff. Yawning Yes, a yawn could indicate tiredness, Bernal says. But it can also be associated with moments of stress, so look for context clues to figure out what your dog’s facial expressions really mean. Lip-licking A dog that’s licking its lips can be communicating a desire to submit to its human, Bernal tells us. Or it could indicate anxiety or dehydration, depending on the context. If nothing anxiety-provoking is happening at the moment, consider it a positive form of doggie communication – and make sure your pal’s water bowl is full! Smiling or grinning Yes, dogs smile, although it doesn’t necessarily signify happiness, contentment or agreement. When a dog lifts its lips to show its canine teeth and incisors, it’s a sign of excitement, says Bernal. This makes sense when you consider that pups tend to smile while out on walks or romping with pals at the dog park. A grinning dog face could also be a sign of submissiveness, but that’s usually when a dog is signalling to other dogs, not humans. Nose wrinkling You don’t need a dog expressions’ chart or canine behavioural specialist to recognise when your dog’s smile is more of a snarl, says Bernal. When your dog pulls its lips up vertically to display its front teeth while also wrinkling its muzzle, it’s angry – especially when it raises its ears up and stares steadily. There’s a good chance a growl is coming, and you’ll need to de-escalate the situation. Grimacing In humans, we understand the difference between a smile and a grimace. The same applies to dogs. When your dog draws its lips back horizontally so that you can see all its teeth, it indicates discomfort or fear, Bernal explains. This becomes even more obvious when it’s accompanied by ear-flattening. When in doubt, consider Fido’s body language Doggy facial expressions should be read in context, says Russell Hartstein, a certified dog and cat behaviourist and trainer. For example, a smile might indicate fear or aggression if the dog’s ears are flat or it’s growling or whimpering. But a smile on a relaxed and wiggly dog signals that all is good. Written by Lauren Cahn. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/what-your-dogs-facial-expressions-really-mean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. 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Family & Pets

What your dog’s facial expressions really mean

<div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>This is what your dog’s body language really means</h3> Whether they’re running and playing at the dog park or giving a warning growl, dogs seem like they’re pretty good at communicating with one another, but what do your dog’s facial expressions really mean? Over thousands of years of living with humans, dogs have developed a range of facial expressions, and they’ve become pretty good at communicating with us too. We have a way to go before dog-to-human interaction is fluent in both directions, but fortunately, there are experts out there who have dedicated their lives to figuring out dog body language and dog expressions. It turns out, there’s a big difference between how your dog talks to other dogs and how it talks to you. Some studies even show that dogs prefer happy human faces to angry ones, so maybe they really do know what we’re thinking! Making eye contact A perfect example of the dichotomy between dog-to-dog and dog-to-human facial expressions is eye contact. Between dogs, eye contact signals aggression, according to dog sitting site Wag. Between humans, eye contact is an integral part of communication. We reward eye contact from other humans as well as dogs. After humans domesticated them, dogs developed an array of facial expressions. They also acquired the ability to use their gaze to win approval from and show love for their humans. Breaking eye contact Understanding what your dog’s facial expressions really mean also involves knowing what it means when your pooch breaks eye contact. When dogs stare at each other, they’re engaging in a power struggle that won’t end until one or the other breaks the gaze – and a fight could break out. With humans, dogs are perfectly comfortable breaking eye contact, and in no way is it a prelude to trouble. Rather, it indicates a comfortable rapport between a dog and its person. Blinking or squinting during eye contact If a dog blinks while making eye contact with you, it may be contemplating what you’re thinking, according to veterinarian Danielle Bernal. This dog expression might show up if you’ve just given a command. The same is true of squinting during eye contact, says Michael Schoeff, the proprietor of Premier Pups. “I’d read it as a sign of appeasement,” he says. “And that’s a good thing. Your dog lives to appease his human.” Blinking or squinting in general You’ve probably wondered why your dog makes weird faces. It could be because something is wrong. Squinting and repetitive blinking can mean something entirely different when a dog is not looking into your eyes, Schoeff explains. Squinting can signal pain or illness, and rapid blinking can indicate stress or fear. Fun fact: When a dog opens its eyes wide at another dog, it can signal aggression. Eyebrow raising When your dog raises one eyebrow – or both – while making eye contact, it’s a sign of alertness and interest, says Schoeff. Here’s an opportunity for you to engage with your pup, maybe teach it a new trick. Do dogs mimic facial expressions? Try giving them the old eyebrow wiggle and see what happens! Avoiding eye contact A dog who avoids eye contact is likely having trust issues. “Dogs are aware that eye contact with humans signals trust and comfort,” Schoeff explains. A dog that avoids eye contact with humans is doing his best to avoid any kind of interaction, whether negative or positive. This can be common in rescue dogs, especially those who have had a tough life before finding their forever homes. Head Tilting That adorable head tilt? It’s exactly what it looks like, according to Schoeff: It means your dog is curious. Lowering its head When your dog lowers or bows its head while gazing up at you, it’s an act of submission, explains Schoeff. It’s not all that different from blinking or squinting during eye contact. Flattening its ears Watch it: This isn’t a good sign. If you see a dog pulling both ears tight against his head, it could be a sign of aggression or of fear. Alternatively, it could be a sign your dog has an ear infection, says Schoeff. Yawning Yes, a yawn could indicate tiredness, Bernal says. But it can also be associated with moments of stress, so look for context clues to figure out what your dog’s facial expressions really mean. Lip licking A dog that’s licking its lips can be communicating a desire to submit to its human, Bernal tells us. Or it could indicate anxiety or dehydration, depending on the context. If nothing anxiety-provoking is happening at the moment, consider it a positive form of doggie communication – and make sure your pal’s water bowl is full! Smiling or grinning Yes, dogs smile, although it doesn’t necessarily signify happiness, contentment or agreement. When a dog lifts its lips to show its canine teeth and incisors, it’s a sign of excitement, says Bernal. This makes sense when you consider that pups tend to smile while out on walks or romping with pals at the dog park. A grinning dog face could also be a sign of submissiveness, but that’s usually when a dog is signalling to other dogs, not humans. Nose wrinkling You don’t need a dog expressions’ chart or canine behavioural specialist to recognise when your dog’s smile is more of a snarl, says Bernal. When your dog pulls its lips up vertically to display its front teeth while also wrinkling its muzzle, it’s angry – especially when it raises its ears up and stares steadily. There’s a good chance a growl is coming, and you’ll need to de-escalate the situation. Grimacing In humans, we understand the difference between a smile and a grimace. The same applies to dogs. When your dog draws its lips back horizontally so that you can see all its teeth, it indicates discomfort or fear, Bernal explains. This becomes even more obvious when it’s accompanied by ear-flattening. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/what-your-dogs-facial-expressions-really-mean?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Shops that don’t use facial recognition

Some of Australia’s biggest retailers have landed themselves in hot water after it was revealed that they are <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/technology/bunnings-and-kmart-investigated-for-use-of-potentially-unethical-tech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">potentially invading customer privacy</a> with facial recognition technology. Shoppers now can breathe a sigh of relief with 17 popular retailers confirming to consumer group CHOICE that they are not using the technology and don’t have plans to introduce it. “CHOICE is really pleased to confirm that a number of big Australian retailers aren’t using facial recognition on their customers, and have no plans to introduce it,” CHOICE consumer data advocate, Kate Bower said. “Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Target and Big W, among others, have all told us that they aren’t using this highly controversial technology in their stores, and don’t plan to.” “This commitment from the 17 retailers to avoid the use of facial recognition technology will be strongly welcomed by their customers. “We know the community are really worried about the use of facial recognition, with some describing it as ‘creepy and invasive’. “Consumers will be pleased to know they can go into a store like Woolworths or Myer without having their sensitive personal information captured by facial recognition technology.” The good news comes as Kmart and Bunnings, who were previously called out for using the facial recognition technology, have confirmed they will temporarily pause the use of it. The two retailers will pause using the controversial technology while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) considers a complaint made by CHOICE against Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys for their use of facial recognition technology in store. “Customers will welcome the decision from Bunnings and Kmart to pause the use of facial recognition technology, but we know what the community really wants is for these retailers to dump the technology for good,” Ms Bower continued. “CHOICE eagerly awaits the Information Commissioner’s decision on whether Kmart and Bunnings have breached the Privacy Act in their use of facial recognition technology. “This will be a landmark decision that will guide the use of controversial facial recognition technology in Australia.” A full list of all shops not using the technology identified by CHOICE include: Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Target, Big W, Myer, David Jones, Officeworks, Dan Murphys, BWS, First Choice Liquor, Liquor Land, Vintage Cellars, Rebel, BCF, Supercheap Auto and Macpac. Images: Twitter

Money & Banking

Facial recognition is on the rise – but the law is lagging a long way behind

Private companies and public authorities are quietly using facial recognition systems around Australia. Despite the growing use of this controversial technology, there is little in the way of specific regulations and guidelines to govern its use. Spying on shoppers We were reminded of this fact recently when consumer advocates at CHOICE <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/consumers-and-data/data-collection-and-use/how-your-data-is-used/articles/kmart-bunnings-and-the-good-guys-using-facial-recognition-technology-in-store" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> that major retailers in Australia are using the technology to identify people claimed to be thieves and troublemakers. There is no dispute about the goal of reducing harm and theft. But there is also little transparency about how this technology is being used. CHOICE found that most people have no idea their faces are being scanned and matched to stored images in a database. Nor do they know how these databases are created, how accurate they are, and how secure the data they collect is. As CHOICE discovered, the notification to customers is inadequate. It comes in the form of small, hard-to-notice signs in some cases. In others, the use of the technology is announced in online notices rarely read by customers. The companies clearly don’t want to draw attention to their use of the technology or to account for how it is being deployed. Police are eager Something similar is happening with the use of the technology by Australian police. Police in New South Wales, for example, have embarked on a “low-volume” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/01/calls-to-stop-nsw-police-trial-of-national-facial-recognition-system-over-lack-of-legal-safeguards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trial</a> of a nationwide face-recognition database. This trial took place despite the fact that the enabling legislation for the national database has not yet been passed. In South Australia, controversy over Adelaide’s plans to upgrade its CCTV system with face-recognition capability led the city council to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-22/adelaide-city-council-votes-no-to-facial-recognition-in-cctv/101172924?utm_source=pocket_mylist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vote</a> not to purchase the necessary software. The council has also asked South Australia Police not to use face-recognition technology until legislation is in place to govern its use. However, SA Police have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-22/adelaide-city-council-votes-no-to-facial-recognition-in-cctv/101172924?utm_source=pocket_mylist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> an interest in using the technology. In a public <a href="https://www.itnews.com.au/news/sa-police-ignore-adelaide-council-plea-for-facial-recognition-ban-on-cctv-581559" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>, the police described the technology as a potentially useful tool for criminal investigations. The statement also noted: <blockquote> There is no legislative restriction on the use of facial recognition technology in South Australia for investigations. </blockquote> A controversial tool Adelaide City Council’s call for regulation is a necessary response to the expanding use of automated facial recognition. This is a powerful technology that promises to fundamentally change our experience of privacy and anonymity. There is already a large gap between the amount of personal information collected about us every day and our own knowledge of how this information is being used, and facial recognition will only make the gap bigger. Recent events suggest a reluctance on the part of retail outlets and public authorities alike to publicise their use of the technology. Although it is seen as a potentially useful tool, it can be a controversial one. A world in which remote cameras can identify and track people as they move through public space seems alarmingly Orwellian. The technology has also been criticised for being invasive and, in some cases, <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/bias-in-facial-recognition-isnt-hard-to-discover-but-its-hard-to-get-rid-of/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biased</a> and inaccurate. In the US, for example, people have already been <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/wrongful-arrests-ai-derailed-3-mens-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrongly arrested</a> based on matches made by face-recognition systems. Public pushback There has also been widespread public opposition to the use of the technology in some cities and states in the US, which have gone so far as to impose <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/face-recognition-banned-but-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bans</a> on its use. Surveys show the Australian public have <a href="https://securitybrief.com.au/story/australians-uneasy-about-facial-recognition-tech-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns</a> about the invasiveness of the technology, but that there is also support for its potential use to increase public safety and security. Facial-recognition technology isn’t going away. It’s likely to become less expensive and more accurate and powerful in the near future. Instead of implementing it piecemeal, under the radar, we need to directly confront both the potential harms and benefits of the technology, and to provide clear rules for its use. What would regulations look like? Last year, then human rights commissioner Ed Santow called for <a href="https://www.itnews.com.au/news/human-rights-commission-calls-for-temporary-ban-on-high-risk-govt-facial-recognition-565173" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a partial ban</a> on the use of facial-recognition technology. He is now developing model legislation for how it might be regulated in Australia. Any regulation of the technology will need to consider both the potential benefits of its use and the risks to privacy rights and civic life. It will also need to consider enforceable standards for its proper use. These could include the right to correct inaccurate information, the need to provide human confirmation for automated forms of identification, and the setting of minimum standards of accuracy. They could also entail improving public consultation and consent around the use of the technology, and a requirement for the performance of systems to be accountable to an independent authority and to those researching the technology. As the reach of facial recognition expands, we need more public and parliamentary debate to develop appropriate regulations for governing its use.  <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-andrejevic-567958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Andrejevic</a>, Professor, School of Media, Film, and Journalism, Monash University, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monash University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gavin-jd-smith-195220" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gavin JD Smith</a>, Associate Professor in Sociology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian National University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/facial-recognition-is-on-the-rise-but-the-law-is-lagging-a-long-way-behind-185510" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Technology

Bunnings and Kmart investigated for use of potentially "unethical" tech

Some of Australia’s biggest retailers are being investigated for potentially invading customer privacy with facial recognition technology. Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys have been found to be using facial recognition technology on unsuspecting customers. CHOICE has referred the retailers to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to investigate potential breaches of the Privacy Act. Facial recognition analyses images from video cameras to capture each person’s unique facial features, known as a faceprint. “The use of facial recognition by Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys is a completely inappropriate and unnecessary use of the technology,” CHOICE consumer data advocate Kate Bower said. “To make matters worse, we found 76% of Australians aren’t aware that retailers are capturing their unique facial features in this way.” Ms Bower slammed the use of the technology which she said is unethical and affects consumer’s trust. “Using facial recognition technology in this way is similar to Kmart, Bunnings or The Good Guys collecting your fingerprints or DNA every time you shop,” she went on. “Businesses using invasive technologies to capture their customers’ sensitive biometric information is unethical and is a sure way to erode consumer trust.” After conducting a survey, CHOICE found that four in five respondents agreed that retailers must inform consumers about the use of facial recognition. Four in five people had concerns about how the biometric data was stored, and three in four respondents were concerned that retailers would use the data to create customer profiles for marketing or profit purposes. “CHOICE observed that Kmart and Bunnings display small signs at the entrance of stores where the technology is in use. However, discreet signage and online privacy policies are not nearly enough to adequately inform shoppers that this controversial technology is in use,” Ms Bower said. “The technology is capturing highly personal data from customers, including infants and children. “CHOICE is concerned that Australian businesses are using facial recognition technology on consumers before Australians have had their say on its use in our community. “With the government currently undergoing a review of the Privacy Act, now is the perfect time to strengthen measures around the capture and use of consumer data, including biometric data.” Images: Shutterstock/Twitter

Technology

Pay ‘with a smile or a wave’: Why Mastercard’s new face recognition payment system raises concerns

Mastercard’s <a href="https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2022/may/with-a-smile-or-a-wave-paying-in-store-just-got-personal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“smile to pay”</a> system, announced last week, is supposed to save time for customers at checkouts. It is being trialled in Brazil, with future pilots planned for the Middle East and Asia. The company argues touch-less technology will help speed up transaction times, shorten lines in shops, heighten security and improve hygiene in businesses. But it raises concerns relating to customer privacy, data storage, crime risk and bias. How will it work? Mastercard’s biometric checkout system will provide customers facial recognition-based payments, by linking the biometric authentication systems of a number of third-party companies with Mastercard’s own payment systems. A Mastercard spokesperson told The Conversation it had already partnered with NEC, Payface, Aurus, Fujitsu Limited, PopID and PayByFace, with more providers to be named. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464953/original/file-20220524-22-ga0v7l.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="The 'Fujitsu' logo in red is displayed on a building's side" /></a><figcaption>Mastercard has partnered with Fujitsu, a massive information and communications technology firm offering many different products and services. Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> They said “providers need to go through independent laboratory certification against the program criteria to be considered” – but details of these criteria aren’t yet publicly available. According to <a href="https://www.siliconrepublic.com/business/mastercard-facial-recognition-biometric-payments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">media</a> reports, customers will have to install an app which will take their picture and payment information. This information will be saved and stored on the third-party provider’s servers. At the checkout, the customer’s face will be matched with the stored data. And once their identity is verified, funds will be deducted automatically. The “wave” option is a bit of a trick: as the customer watches the camera while waving, the camera still scans their face – not their hand. Similar authentication technologies are used on smartphones (face ID) and in many airports around the world, including “<a href="https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/smartgates/arrivals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smartgates</a>” in Australia. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/4/16251304/kfc-china-alipay-ant-financial-smile-to-pay" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China</a> started using biometrics-based checkout technology back in 2017. But Mastercard is among the first to launch such a system in Western markets – competing with the “pay with your palm” <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2020/09/29/amazon-introduces-the-amazon-one-a-way-to-pay-with-your-palm-when-entering-stores/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">system</a> used at cashier-less Amazon Go and Whole Foods brick and mortars in the United States. What we don’t know Much about the precise functioning of Mastercard’s system isn’t clear. How accurate will the facial recognition be? Who will have access to the databases of biometric data? A Mastercard spokesperson told The Conversation customers’ data would be stored with the relevant biometric service provider in encrypted form, and removed when the customer “indicates they want to end their enrolment”. But how will the removal of data be enforced if Mastercard itself can’t access it? Obviously, privacy protection is a major concern, especially when there are many potential third-party providers involved. On the bright side, Mastercard’s <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/032615/how-mastercard-makes-its-money-ma.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">customers</a> will have a choice as to whether or not they use the biometrics checkout system. However, it will be at retailers’ discretion whether they offer it, or whether they offer it exclusively as the only payment option. Similar face-recognition technologies used in airports, and <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/police-surveillance-and-facial-recognition-why-data-privacy-is-an-imperative-for-communities-of-color/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by police</a>, often offer no choice. We can assume Mastercard and the biometrics provider with whom they partner will require customer consent, as per most privacy laws. But will customers know what they are consenting to? Ultimately, the biometric service providers Mastercard teams up with will decide how they use the data, for how long, where they store it, and who can access it. Mastercard will merely decide what providers are “good enough” to be accepted as partners, and the minimum standards they must adhere to. Customers who want the convenience of this checkout service will have to consent to all the related data and privacy terms. And as reports have noted, there is potential for Mastercard to integrate the feature with loyalty schemes and make personalised recommendations <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/17/mastercard-launches-tech-that-lets-you-pay-with-your-face-or-hand.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">based on purchases</a>. Accuracy is a problem While the accuracy of face recognition technologies has previously been challenged, the current best facial authentication algorithms have an error of just 0.08%, according to tests by the <a href="https://github.com/usnistgov/frvt/blob/nist-pages/reports/1N/frvt_1N_report_2020_03_27.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Institute of Standards and Technology</a>. In some countries, even banks have <a href="https://techhq.com/2020/09/biometrics-the-most-secure-solution-for-banking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">become comfortable</a> relying on it to log users into their accounts. Yet we can’t know how accurate the technologies used in Mastercard’s biometric checkout system will be. The algorithms underpinning a technology can work almost perfectly when trailed in a lab, but perform <a href="https://www.csis.org/blogs/technology-policy-blog/how-accurate-are-facial-recognition-systems-%E2%80%93-and-why-does-it-matter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poorly</a> in real life settings, where lighting, angles and other parameters are varied. Bias is another problem In a 2019 study, NIST <a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ir/2019/NIST.IR.8280.pdf#page=5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> that out of 189 facial recognition algorithms, the majority were biased. Specifically, they were less accurate on people from racial and ethnic minorities. Even if the technology has improved in the past few years, it’s not foolproof. And we don’t know the extent to which Mastercard’s system has overcome this challenge. If the software fails to recognise a customer at the check out, they might end up disappointed, or even become irate – which would completely undo any promise of speed or convenience. But if the technology misidentifies a person (for instance, John is recognised as Peter – or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8-yupM-6Oc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">twins are confused</a> for each other), then money could be taken from the wrong person’s account. How would such a situation be dealt with? <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=617&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=617&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=617&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=776&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=776&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/464424/original/file-20220520-19-5hfuvx.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=776&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>There’s no evidence facial recognition technology is infallible. These systems can misidentify and also have biases. Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> Is the technology secure? We often hear about software and databases being hacked, even in <a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/2130877/the-biggest-data-breaches-of-the-21st-century.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cases of</a> supposedly very “secure” organisations. Despite Mastercard’s <a href="https://wwmastw.cnbc.com/2022/05/17/mastercard-launches-tech-that-lets-you-pay-with-your-face-or-hand.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">efforts</a> to ensure security, there’s no guarantee the third-party providers’ databases – with potentially millions of people’s biometric data – won’t be hacked. In the wrong hands, this data could lead to <a href="https://www.comparitech.com/identity-theft-protection/identity-theft-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">identity theft</a>, which is one of the fastest growing types of crime, and financial fraud. Do we want it? Mastercard suggests 74% of customers are in favour of using such technology, referencing a stat from its <a href="https://www.mastercard.com/news/ap/en/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/april/mastercard-study-shows-consumers-moving-to-contactless-payments-for-everyday-purchases/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">own study</a> – also used by <a href="https://www.mastercard.com/news/ap/en/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/october/mastercard-idemia-and-matchmove-pilot-fingerprint-biometric-card-in-asia-to-enhance-security-and-safety-of-contactless-payments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">business partner</a> Idemia (a company that sells biometric identification products). But the report cited is vague and brief. Other studies show entirely different results. For example, <a href="https://www.getapp.com/resources/facial-recognition-technology/#how-comfortable-are-consumers-with-facial-recognition-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this study</a> suggests 69% of customers aren’t comfortable with face recognition tech being used in retail settings. And <a href="https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/93521-are-consumers-comfortable-with-facial-recognition-it-depends-says-new-study" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this one</a> shows only 16% trust such tech. Also, if consumers knew the risks the technology poses, the number of those willing to use it might drop even lower.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/183447/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rita-matulionyte-170113" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rita Matulionyte</a>, Senior Lecturer in Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/macquarie-university-1174" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Macquarie University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/pay-with-a-smile-or-a-wave-why-mastercards-new-face-recognition-payment-system-raises-concerns-183447" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Technology

Hey Hey It’s Saturday star John Blackman undergoes more facial surgery

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Hey Hey It’s Saturday star John Blackman has undergone more surgery on Monday after doctors were forced to remove his jaw to save him from skin cancer. He shared a photo of himself recovering in Melbourne’s Linacre Private Hospital, showing his face bruised and stitched together. “My journey towards becoming George Clooney's stunt double for all his love scenes (or the part of Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz) continued today,” John joked on Monday. “Huge thanks to all the wonderful staff and my plastic surgeon Doctor Frank!” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> My journey towards becoming George Clooney's stunt double for all his love scenes (or the part of Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz) continued today at Linacre Private Hospital. Huge thanks to all the wonderful staff and my plastic surgeon Doctor Frank! <a href="https://t.co/9Xta5eDB3E">pic.twitter.com/9Xta5eDB3E</a> — JohnBlackman (@johnblackmanhey) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnblackmanhey/status/1259757239964844045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote> He last went under the knife in February to have a ‘gutter’ placed in his mouth to stop him from dribbling. This is after his jaw was completely removed and was replaced with a reshaped section of his fibula. John was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer that accounts for around 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers. He was first diagnosed in 2018 when he found a lump on his chin which he initially thought was a pimple. Speaking to 3AW's Neil Mitchell in March 2019, John said: “It's like I've had an accident. It's like I've ploughed into a tree and my life has changed forever. “There are people out there far worse off, and I'm reminded of that everyday,' he said, adding that he had to communicate through eye movements while in recovery.” The beloved former voice of Dickie Knee on the show said he has a newfound appreciation for people with disabilities and their resilience. “Sometime's it's like Groundhog Day, every morning I wake up and look in the mirror and think "maybe today it'll change" but it's still there,” he said. </div> </div> </div>

Body

Cat whisperer: How to read Fluffy’s facial expressions

Cats are popular pets: there are an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3227-1_3">estimated 200 million pet cats worldwide</a>, with more <a href="http://www.fediaf.org/images/FEDIAF_Facts__and_Figures_2018_ONLINE_final.pdf">pet cats than pet dogs</a>. Cats live in about <a href="https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/canada-s-pet-wellness-report2011">38 per cent of Canadian households</a>, <a href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics">25.4 per cent of American households</a> and <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/515287/households-owning-a-cat-europe/">25 per cent of European households</a>. Cats also seem to be a great source of entertainment. There are <a href="https://tubularinsights.com/2-million-cat-videos-youtube/">two million cat videos on YouTube and counting</a>, and countless internet-famous cats, like Grumpy Cat and Lil’ Bub, each with millions of followers on their social media accounts. Despite the popularity of cats, as anyone who has been around a cat knows, reading cats is not always an easy task. One minute they can be seeking your affection and the next they can be swatting at you without any apparent warning. This leads to the question: are cats just jerks or are they simply misunderstood? Cats’ body language While cats may seem mysterious, their behaviour can help us to understand how they are feeling. The position of a cat’s body, head, ears and tail are all telltale hints. An <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jfms.2011.03.012">anxious or fearful cat</a> may crouch down to the ground, arch their back, lower their head and flatten their ears. Fearful or anxious cats may also retreat backwards in avoidance, hide themselves, make their fur stand on edge (piloerection), <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/cat-chat-understanding-feline-language">growl, hiss, spit</a>, swat or bite. Conversely, a content cat may approach you with their tail up, with their body and head in a neutral position and their ears forward. When resting, they may tuck their paws in, or lay on their side with their legs stretched out. Facial expressions may also be an indicator of how cats are feeling. Researchers have found that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12283">certain individuals can readily distinguish the images of cats in pain from those of pain-free cats</a>. Despite this, the full range of cat facial expressions, including those made in positive situations, has not received much investigation. Most people are poor cat face readers As a postdoctoral researcher in animal science, I ran an <a href="https://catdogwelfare.wixsite.com/catfaces">online study</a> in which participants were shown short video clips of cats in various situations. Positive situations were those where cats approached, for example, their owner for treats. Negative situations were those where cats sought to avoid, for example, retreating from a person unknown to them. The videos were carefully selected based on <a href="https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.28.4.519">strict behavioural criteria</a> and edited to only show each cat’s face, removing any potential body language or location cues. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/211759805" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> An example of a video from the study: here, a cat is kneading in his favoured resting spot, a positive situation. More than 6,300 people from 85 countries judged whether the cat in each video was feeling positive or negative. On average, people identified the correct expression 59 per cent of the time. While this score is slightly better than if people had simply guessed, it suggests that many people find the task of reading cat faces challenging. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/202460513" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> An example of a video from the study: here, a cat is hiding in the examination room of a veterinary clinic, a negative situation. Cat whisperers Although most people were poor cat face readers, a small subset of people (13 per cent) were quite skilled, scoring 15 points or higher out of a possible 20 points. Individuals in this group are more likely to be women than men. This is not surprising, since research has found that women are generally better at interpreting non-verbal emotional cues; this has been shown with <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9450.00193">human babies</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0074591">and dogs</a>. I found “cat whisperers” also tend to have experience working as a veterinarian or veterinary technician. People in these occupations encounter a large number of cats on a daily basis and must learn to interpret their behaviour to recognize illness and avoid injury. Suprisingly (or not, depending on your personal experience as a cat owner), cat owners are not any better at reading cat faces than people who have never owned a cat. This may be because cat owners learn the intricacies of their own cat through continued interactions, but likely cannot draw on varied experiences when faced with a series of unfamiliar cats. Implications for animal welfare My work has shown that cats display different facial expressions and that these facial expressions differ depending on how cats are feeling, both positive and negative. Being able to read and interpret these different facial expressions can help to ensure that cats receive appropriate care. For example, facial expressions can indicate when a cat may be in pain and require treatment. Being able to read cat faces can also improve the bond between cat owners and their cats, through an improved understanding of how their cats may be feeling. While many people seem to struggle with reading cat faces, some individuals are able to read them well. This suggests that interpreting cat faces is a skill that could improve with training and experience. Do you think you could be a cat whisperer? You can test your cat-reading abilities by taking <a href="https://catdogwelfare.wixsite.com/catfaces/cat-faces-interactive-quiz">this interactive quiz</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128686/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-dawson-909496">Lauren Dawson</a>, Postdoctoral fellow, Animal Biosciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-guelph-1071">University of Guelph</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-you-a-cat-whisperer-how-to-read-fluffys-facial-expressions-128686">original article</a>.

Mind

Police accused of lying about use of “ineffective” facial recognition software

An <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/hannahryan/clearview-ai-australia-police">online tech news source</a> recently ran a story detailing a data breach at controversial facial recognition company Clearview AI, which exposed its entire client list. According to the report, the list includes four Australian police organisations, comprising the Queensland Police Service, Victoria Police, South Australia Police and the Australian Federal Police. The leaked client list suggests that police officers have used the highly inaccurate technology in an attempt to ‘identify’ around 1000 suspects in Australia – a process which has been <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/queenslands-facial-recognition-regime-a-complete-failure/">proven over and over again</a> to lead to <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/facial-recognition-database-could-lead-to-wrongful-arrests/">the false identification and arrest of innocent persons</a>. Indeed, a previous trial of facial recognition technology in Queensland was ruled a ‘<a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/queenslands-facial-recognition-regime-a-complete-failure/">complete failure</a>’ – with the software misidentifying people the ‘vast majority’ of cases – and a trial in the United Kingdom in 2016/17 got it wrong in 98% of cases. Police had previously denied using the Clearview AI software and, despite the leak, have continued to do so – with the South Australian Police Force issuing a statement which asserts that its officers have not been using it. Queensland has been slightly more forthcoming, saying that facial recognition technology is one of ‘many capabilities’ available to its officers. Victoria Police claims the software has not been used in any ‘official capacity’, which begs the question as to why police organisations would spend large amounts of taxpayer dollars on purchase and licensing. The AFP has remained silent. Clearview AI’s programme has attracted an enormous amount of controversy worldwide, being variously labelled as ‘ineffective’, ‘wasteful’, a ‘gross breach of privacy’ and a ‘honeypot for hackers’. The Clearview database contains billions of images amassed from sources such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other public websites, and the application of the software has the potential to lead to wrongful arrests, whereby innocent persons are wrongly matched to suspected offenders. The reports regarding the leaked client list have heightened concerns that ill-intentioned hackers will gain access to a wealth of private information and use it to engage in criminal conduct such as <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-rising-cost-of-identity-crime-in-australia/">identity theft</a>. Privacy laws Under current Australian privacy laws, biometric information, that is your face, fingerprints, eyes, palm, and voice is considered sensitive information. The <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2014C00076">Privacy Act 1988</a> (Cth) makes clear that any organisation or agency collecting this ‘sensitive’ information must first obtain consent to do so. However, there are exceptions to this general rule including where the information is “necessary” to prevent a serious threat to the life, health or safety of any individual. It’s an exception many believe has been exploited by law enforcement agencies, with legal commentators suggesting it is not broad enough to encompass all of the conduct that police have been engaging in. National surveillance Red flags were raised last year when the Federal Government announced plans to <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/australias-future-is-nationwide-facial-recognition-surveillance/">create a national facial recognition database</a> by collecting photos from drivers’ licences and passports. The government justified the implementation of the database, by saying that it would both help to combat identity theft <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-rising-cost-of-identity-crime-in-australia/">(which is on the rise)</a> as well as be a useful tool for protecting national security, because the database would be made available to law enforcement agencies too. The legislation presently before parliament allows both government agencies and private businesses to access facial IDs held by state and territory traffic authorities, and passport photos held by the foreign affairs department. The legislation is currently stalled because of concerns about privacy implications and lack of safeguards in the proposed law. But most state and territory governments have already updated their driver’s licence laws in anticipation of the database after an agreement at the Council of Australian Governments in October 2017. If you’re applying for, or renewing a passport, then you are required to sign a consent form. Facial recognition AI is unreliable One of the most significant concerns is that AI technology is still unreliable – the benefits don’t outweigh the massive intrusion into our personal privacy. Plus, there are inherent problems with the current technology. False positives are a major issue. In 2016 and 2017, London’s Metropolitan Police used automated facial recognition in trials and reported that more than 98% of cases, innocent members of the public were matched to suspected criminals. Despite these concerns, the Home Affairs Department is impatient to implement the technology and says that facial recognition experts (humans) will work with the technology to provide more accurate outcomes. But that’s of cold comfort to anyone concerned about their privacy. <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/welcome-to-1984-the-governments-relentless-assault-on-democracy/">Because, as is already the case in China</a>, facial recognition can be used for mass surveillance. And, we’ve already seen many examples of how data breaches can occur even with appropriate legislation in place. Data breaches in government departments Last year, information came to light showing that <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/dozens-of-breaches-of-the-my-health-record-database-have-already-been-recorded/">data breaches of the My Health Record</a> database rose from 35 to 42 in the past financial year, despite consistent claims by the federal government that the database is safe and secure, and that the privacy of those who choose not to opt out is protected. In 2018, the South Australian government was forced to shut down guest access to its online land titles registry, after an unidentified overseas ‘guest user’ was able to download the personal details of more than a million Australian home owners, information that could potentially be used to develop a false identity. Police forces and other government organisations have repeatedly failed to <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/police-officers-misuse-private-information-for-personal-gain/">properly secure confidential information</a> of members of the public, and some rogue police officers have <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/police-officer-jokes-about-giving-victims-address-to-abusive-partner/">broken the law by releasing sensitive information</a>, putting vulnerable individuals in danger. Right now, the fact that Australian police forces exist on Clearview AI’s client list, and they’re not forthcoming about it should also set alarm bells ringing for all Australians. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has launched an inquiry into whether the software is being employed in Australia, or if its database contains information on Australians. The commission’s final report will no doubt reveal all. Written by Sonia Hickey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/police-accused-of-lying-about-use-of-ineffective-facial-recognition-software/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

Art

Why we are fearful of facial recognition technology

Although many people are up in arms about a recent <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/04/16/opinion/facial-recognition-new-york-city.html">New York Times</a> piece where journalists went out and identified random pedestrians as they walked past in the street using commercially available facial recognition software, the use of facial recognition software in the public eye raises more questions than answers. Why are people up in arms about it now? Facial recognition isn’t fundamentally new. It’s widely accepted across Western society that there are surveillance cameras everywhere and anywhere you could possibly think of. People are also okay with police officers scanning hours of surveillance camera footage to track a suspect’s location. It’s not clear what makes people uneasy about facial recognition software. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/geek-heretic/201906/why-we-fear-face-recognition-technology">Psychology Today</a> have suggested that there are three main emotional components to the problem which explain why people aren’t fans of it. It comes down to a lack of privacy, anonymity and uneasiness at being followed. The concept of being “followed around” People are complex. For many, the idea that their whereabouts could be tracked by an unknown third party, even if it’s a machine, is enough to make them feel uneasy. It’s likened to seeing a police officer on the street and then having them follow your every move. It’s not the issue of having your location known, it’s being followed. People liken being followed to being stalked, and stalking takes a heavy emotional toll. People enjoy being anonymous There’s a reason actors now go to extensive lengths to not be recognised once they’re at the height of their fame. They miss being anonymous in a large crowd of people. Anonymity permits a certain kind of freedom, whether it be from nosy neighbours, judgement or adoring fans. The use of facial recognition removes the anonymity that comes with being hidden. Being watched alters your behaviour The sense of being watched ensures that the person being watched is on their best behaviour. For many, being stared at is worse than being eavesdropped on. People are more sensitive to visual invasions of privacy instead of audio ones, which would explain the discomfort that people feel.

Technology

San Francisco becomes first US state to ban facial recognition technology

San Francisco officials have voted 8 to 1 to ban the purchase and use of facial recognition technology by the city personnel. This is in response to a move that regulates tools that Silicon Valley companies helped develop. The ordinance requires city departments to submit surveillance technology policies for public vetting. The action puts San Francisco at the forefront of discontent throughout the United States over the use of facial recognition software. Although the technology has been used for years by government agencies, it has recently become more powerful with the rise of cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies. "We have a fundamental duty to safeguard the public from potential abuses," Aaron Peskin, the city supervisor who championed the ban said before the board's vote to <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/san-francisco-votes-to-ban-city-use-of-facial-recognition-technology">SBS</a>. The aim is to protect “marginalised groups” that could be harmed by the technology. While communities are moving to limit facial recognition, police have increased their use of the software, using it to spot potential suspects in known offender databases after a crime has occurred. The technology is also being used by US customs agents who are vetting foreign travellers at airports with facial recognition. Daniel Castro, vice president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said that concerns were “overblown”. “Concerns that the U.S. government would use face identification for mass surveillance, like China has, were overblown.” He said. San Francisco's "ban on facial recognition will make it frozen in time with outdated technology," he said.

Technology

"Super-recognisers" accurately pick out a face in a crowd – but can this skill be taught?

Yenny is 26 years old, lives in Melbourne, and has a very specific talent. One day, she was driving her car when she recognised a man who had been several years below her at high school and whom she hadn’t seen for more than ten years. What makes this particularly impressive is that she recognised him from the briefest glimpse in her rear-view mirror while he was driving the car behind hers. Yenny recounts many such amazing feats of recognition and is one of a very small proportion of the population known as “super-recognisers”. She was the top performer on a <a href="https://facetest.psy.unsw.edu.au/">national test of face recognition abilities</a> in Australia, coming first out of 20,000 participants. Could you learn to spot a face as well as Yenny? Well … maybe. Our <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0211037">new research</a> shows that many training courses offered in this field of expertise are ineffective in improving people’s accuracy in face identification. But other ways of learning how to identify faces may work; we’re just not yet sure exactly how. In-demand expertise <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904192/">Super-recognisers</a> are used by police and security agencies to spot targets in crowded train stations, monitor surveillance footage, and track people of interest. During the 2011 London riots, for example, super-recognisers from the Metropolitan Police <a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150611-the-superpower-police-now-use-to-tackle-crime">identified more than 600 people</a> from very poor-quality surveillance footage – a task that not even the best facial recognition software can perform reliably. So can anyone become a super-recogniser? Can you make up for a lack of superpowers through training? In our <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0211037">paper</a> we assessed the effectiveness of training courses given to practitioners who make facial identification decisions for a living. We reviewed 11 training courses that comply with international training standards from Australia, UK, US and Finland. We found that training courses typically teach facial anatomy – focusing on the muscles, bones and shape of the face – and instruct trainees to inspect faces feature by feature. Novices and genuine trainees completed one of four training courses and we tracked their identification accuracy from before to after training. Surprisingly, we found the training courses had almost no effect on people’s accuracy. This was especially surprising to the people who took the training – an astonishing 93% of trainees thought the training had improved their ability to identify faces. Our research shows that even the world’s best available training – used to train police, border control agents, forensic scientists and other security personnel – does not compensate for talent in face recognition. This is consistent with recent research suggesting that our face identification abilities are largely predetermined by <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/107/11/5238.long">genetics</a>. Forensic facial examiners This may come as disappointing news to people who hope to become a super-recogniser. But all is not lost. Scientists have recently discovered that some specialist groups of practitioners show very high levels of accuracy. Forensic facial examiners routinely compare images of faces to turn CCTV images into informative face identification evidence in criminal trials. Recent work shows that they too outperform novices in very <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/115/24/6171">challenging tests</a>. Forensic facial examiners present a paradox for scientists. They perform face identification tasks with a high degree of accuracy, and this ability appears to be acquired through professional experience and training. <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0211037">Our study</a> suggests there is no benefit of face identification training courses when tested immediately before and after. In addition, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0103510">previous work</a> has suggested that merely performing face-matching tasks in daily work is not sufficient to improve accuracy. Some passport officers have been working for 20 years and perform no better than others who have been working for just a few months. This paradox suggests there is something particular about the type of training and professional experience that forensic facial examiners receive that enables them to develop visual expertise in identifying faces, and which isn’t provided by standard training courses. How do they do it? In our current research we are working closely with government agencies to uncover the basis of forensic facial examiners’ expertise. For example, we now know that part of their expertise comes from using a very particular <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28045276">comparison strategy</a>, where they break the face down into individual facial features and then slowly and systematically assess the similarity of each feature in turn. Interestingly, the nature of this expertise appears to be qualitatively different to that of super-recognisers – Yenny recognised her old classmate using a quick, intuitive process as she glanced in the rear-view mirror. However, these snap judgements made by super-recognisers may not be suitable for the type of identification evidence that forensic facial examiners give in court, where a careful analysis of facial images is necessary to support identification decisions. Importantly, forensic facial examiners provide detailed reports of the observations used to support their decisions, which can then be cross-examined in court. Trainable vs hardwired Super-recognisers and forensic facial examiners use distinct routes to high performance in face identification. Effective training appears to target the slower, deliberate and analytical visual processing that characterises forensic facial examiners. The faster and more intuitive skill that enabled Yenny to recognise faces of relative strangers in her rear-view mirror is likely to be untrainable, and hard-wired. This raises the question of how to balance these different sources of expertise. It may be that super-recognisers are best suited to surveillance-type roles, such as monitoring CCTV or searching for targets in large crowds. Forensic facial examiners may be better suited to providing identification evidence to the court, which requires thorough explanations of how and why the expert came to their decision. Alternatively, it may be possible to train super-recognisers in the expert skills characterising forensic facial examination, or to form teams that include both types of expert. The aim of our work is to integrate these sources of human expertise with the latest face recognition software to improve the accuracy of face identification evidence. Such a system can make society safer, but also fairer, by reducing the likelihood of wrongful convictions. Can you beat Yenny’s high score of 88% on the super-recogniser test? Find out <a href="https://facetest.psy.unsw.edu.au/">here</a>. Written by Alice Towler and David White. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/super-recognisers-accurately-pick-out-a-face-in-a-crowd-but-can-this-skill-be-taught-112003">The Conversation.</a>

Technology

8 gentle and effective ways to remove facial hair

Removing facial hair is not one of the most pleasant activities, but with so many methods available, it is becoming even easier to get rid of the fuzz along your upper lip, chin or between your brows. Here are the most effective ways to remove facial hair. 1. Plucking Plucking is one of the most widely used methods of facial hair removal as tweezers are commonplace in most households. "Tweezing is better for smaller, localized areas like your brows and chin since it's much more labor intensive," dermatologist Lavanya Krishnan told the <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com">Good Housekeeping Institute</a>. "I recommend cleansing your tweezers once per day with warm soap and water, then storing them in a dry place." 2. Waxing When you wax, you can either opt to use a soft wax which is pulled off with cloth strips or a hard wax which is pulled off on its own. Although waxing is loved by many for being thorough, cosmetic surgeon Michelle Yagoda warns of its consequences. “Waxing can cause irritation because the skin can be sensitive to the products being applied to the surface," she said. "An inexact technique may result in incomplete extraction of the hair follicle and breakage of the hair shaft, so the skin surrounding the hair shaft can then become inflamed." If the retaining hair follicle becomes entrapped, it may lead to an ingrown hair. Before going to a new beautician for a wax, it is always worth reading their reviews first. 3. Shaving Many prefer not to shave their facial hair because of the belief that it will make hair grow back thicker, however, Dr Krishnan confirmed that this old wives’ tale is just a myth. "It's just a myth that your hair will grow coarser and more densely after shaving," said Dr. Krishnan. "The follicle gets cut in half so it feels pricklier, but it's not any thicker." If you choose to shave facial hair, it is important to take precautions to avoid irritation. Pre-shave oil can help avoid razor burn and using a razor with only two blades help reduce the potential of causing redness. It is also recommended that you apply a hydrating moisturiser to the face after you are finished. 4. Threading Threading, a practice common in Middle Eastern and Asian countries, involves using a doubled cotton thread pulled super-taut to roll over spots where you want hair removed. To try this method, you will need to visit a professional who specialises in threading. 5. Depilatory creams Depilatory creams work by applying the cream to the area you wish to remove your hair, and then wiping the cream away with the hairs. "Depilatory creams use chemicals such as calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate, which break disulfide bonds in keratin, thereby weakening the hair," said dermatologist Christine Choi Kim. If you want to try these creams, it is important to always do a patch check first to check for any allergies. 6. Topical prescriptions As well as over-the-counter creams, you can also receive prescriptions from a dermatologist for hair removal creams. "There are prescription meds like Vaniqa, which is a topical once-a-day treatment used to reduce hair growth," explains Dr. Krishnan. While they are effective, the hair will grow back when you stop using the cream. 7. Laser hair removal If you are looking for a permanent option you can try laser hair removal, however, sessions can be pricey. "Lasers shoot a certain wavelength of light that's specifically absorbed by the hair follicle itself," said Dr. Krishnan. When the laser is absorbed, it converts into heat and kills the hair follicle. Laser hair removal requires a few sessions to fully destroy the follicles. 8. Electrolysis Similar to laser hair removal, electrolysis is a permanent hair removal option but it destroys each follicle one at a time to prohibit hairs from growing. Which hair removal method do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

Aussie left with horrific facial injuries after cruise brawl

What was supposed to be the cruise of a lifetime, has quickly turned into the holiday from hell for a Sydney man, who has been left stranded on Vanuatu after an alcohol-fuelled brawl on his cruise of the South Pacific left him with horrific facial injuries. <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">Nine News reports</a> Anthony Titow was travelling with his brother David and their family on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, which left Sydney on February 25. The incident reportedly started when a man approached 42-year-old David and made sexually inappropriate comments about his wife. David claims the same man approached Anthony two days late in the ship’s nightclub. “He pulled up a chair and told my brother he had a knife and was going to kill him,” David told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9news.com.au</a>. “He continued to threaten my brother and then the fight broke out.” <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9news.com.au reports</a> the man had Anthony on the ground, and according to David, “kicked him in the face and kept kicking and punching him”. But that’s where matters get complicated. David admits in the <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9news.com.au report</a> that Anthony did throw the first punch between the pair, but claims it was only after they were threatened. “Of course it takes two people to fight but we are rational,” he says. “My brother at this stage had blood all over him,” David said. “He’s was in a lot of pain as you can imagine. “They would not get us ice for his swelling, they told us they would not administer any medicine. “He’s got a broken nose, a fractured jaw and bruising all over his face. My brother can’t speak because of what happened to his jaw.” The brothers were sent to detention on the ship and booted off when it arrived in the next port, Vanuatu. They hope to return to Sydney this weekend. “It’s been a trip from hell,” David said. Royal Caribbean responded to the incident in a <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank">statement to news.com.au</a>. “During Voyager of the Seas’ 14-night South Pacific cruise, which departed Sydney on 25 February 2018, an altercation was reported between two guests,” the statement said. “Our security staff investigated the incident and medical treatment was provided to the guests. “Pursuant to our Guest Conduct Policy, the decision was made to disembark the guests to ensure the safety, security and an enjoyable cruising experience for our guests. The guests were disembarked at the next port of call. “At Royal Caribbean, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority. We have a zero tolerance policy to any form of violence or crime onboard our ships.” What are your thoughts? Hero image credit: Twitter / Nine News

Travel Trouble

How your facial expressions affect your mind and body

We’ve all heard that <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/smile-it-could-make-you-happier/" target="_blank">faking a smile can actually make you feel happier,</a> but you might not know about all the other ways your facial expression can impact your mood and even your body. From improving your memory to protecting your heart health and even boosting your self-confidence, here are five little facial expression tricks for you to try. 1. Improve your memory by moving your eyes You’ve just made it to the shops and the horror sets in – did I lock the front door? If you can’t remember, try moving your eyes from side to side for 30 seconds. <a href="https://digest.bps.org.uk/2007/03/26/improve-your-memory-wiggle-your-eyes-back-and-forth/" target="_blank">According to a UK study</a>, this simple exercise increases recall by 10 per cent by forcing the right and left parts of the brain to work together. 2. Avoid squinting to stay happy It’s time to whip those sunglasses out! The sun may be shining, but you won’t be if you keep squinting. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23746088" target="_blank">Italian researchers found</a> that since squinting uses the same muscles as frowning, much the same as faking a smile makes you happier, squinting and frowning can bring on aggression. 3. Let your face give in to anger Anger isn’t great for the body, but trying to repress it by keeping a cool façade won’t help matters, as unexpressed anger can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and lung problems. Researchers from Adelaide’s Carnegie Mellon University found that by making an angry face when you’re feeling angry will lower anger’s negative impact on the body by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 4. Smile through the stress While looking angry might be good for reducing anger’s negative effects, looking stressed when you’re feeling stressed will do the opposite. Instead, fake a smile – <a href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797612445312" target="_blank">according to a US study</a>, it reduces the heart rate increase that generally comes with stress, thus reducing stress’ harmful effects on the body and protecting heart health. 5. Nod to become more confident About to do something nerve-wracking? Think positive thoughts out loud and nod. <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/07/030708092002.htm" target="_blank">According to researchers from Ohio State University</a>, nodding while trying to convince ourselves of something makes us more likely to believe it and therefore more likely to succeed. So, the next time you’re stressed, angry or being blinded by the sun, give one of these tricks a go and let us know if it worked for you.

Mind

Brisbane Airport to introduce facial recognition technology

Travel is one of life's biggest pleasures, but let’s face it, airport procedures – whether it’s checking in, going through security or boarding – are never the highlights of our holidays. To help make the pre-flight routine a bit easier, however, Brisbane Airport is set to trial an “Australian first” biometric system. Teaming up with SITA and Air New Zealand, the SITA Smart Path will allow travellers to check themselves in at digital kiosks before entering automated boarding gates fitted with facial recognition technology. Passengers will not need to show their boarding pass, passport or any other travel documents, but simply wait for their identity to be verified by the smart gate. “This is a great opportunity for passengers to help shape the future of travel,” General Manager of Strategic Planning and Development at Brisbane Airport, Roel Hellemons, explained. “A key benefit of working with SITA is its technology integrates with our existing common-use infrastructure – check-in kiosks and boarding gates – and can be used by any airline that operates on a common-use kiosk.” Travellers flying with Air New Zealand will be the first in Australia to trial the new system, which if successful, will be rolled out to other international airlines over the coming months. “As we progress we hope to integrate with various government systems for immigration and border checks,” Hellemons added. SITA states that over 165 airlines currently employ the self-service kiosks, so introducing the new system would be as easy as installing the accompanying smart gates. “Australia has long been recognised as a leader in secure border management and passenger processing,” said President of SITA Asia-Pacific, Sumesh Patel. “Now Brisbane Airport is leading the way with SITA Smart Path. This is a single, secure, self-service process which simplifies passenger processing for everyone – airlines, airports and border authorities. It is early days at Brisbane Airport but already the response from passengers has been positive.”

News

Anti-ageing rose facial oil recipe

Organic, home remedies are a fantastic way to avoid intimidating department store price tags and tap into the wonderful properties nature has to offer. However, not all recipes are created equally. There are a few too many lounge-room naturopaths out there leading the masses astray, and we’ve sure fallen for them one time or another. So, before you start grinding up eggshells to cure what ails you, it’s best to do a little background research. We’ve selected this nourishing, at-home facial oil from the book All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer, because it’s simple, quick, and it actually works. The active ingredients: Avocado We know that avocado is full of good fats, and is both healthy and delicious when eaten. However, according to Karin and Nici, avocado also makes a great topical treatment. “Avocado oil is ideal for dry skin. It is rich in vitamins C, E and K and magnesium and potassium.” According to nutritional medicine and skincare expert <a href="http://fionatuck.com/" target="_blank">Fiona Tuck</a>, “Vitamin C is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Vitamin C is especially effective at protecting the skin from premature ageing especially when combined with vitamin E”. Vitamin K is also essential to the skins healing process, and plays a big role in the reduction of bruises, scars and spider veins. Magnesium is the real super-hero though, as it actually prevents the development of wrinkles. Rose Not only does rose oil offer a divine scent, it is also known for its health and beauty benefits. “Rosehip oil is very high in important essential fatty acids and helps regenerate damaged skin tissue” says Karin and Nici. “It penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates collagen production. It is also moisturising and anti-inflammatory and helps to heal wounds and soften scars. Rose absolute oil is antibacterial, antiviral, antispasmodic, is known to have rejuvenating properties and promotes a glowing complexion”. You will need: <ul> <li>2 tablespoons rosehip oil</li> <li>½ teaspoon avocado oil</li> <li>6 drops of rose absolute oil</li> </ul> How to: <ol> <li>Simply pour all the oils into a small bottle and give it a good shake until they are well-mixed. And that’s it!</li> <li>Apply this precious face oil every morning and evening to cleansed skin.</li> </ol> Do you have a recipe for a home-remedy that works, that you would like to share with the community? Let us know in the comments below. <img width="193" height="216" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/29267/all-natural-beauty-cvr_193x216.jpg" alt="All Natural Beauty CVR" style="float: right;"/>This recipe is an edited extract from All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer published by Hardie Grant RRP $34.99 available in stores nationally. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/06/make-bath-products/">How to make your own bath products</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/8-foods-that-will-help-you-live-longer/">8 foods that will help you live longer</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/things-to-eat-and-drink-to-make-your-skin-glow/">6 things to eat and drink to make your skin glow</a>

Beauty & Style

Hugh Jackman reveals new look

Australia’s favourite Hollywood star has been sporting a fair amount of facial hair since growing it for his role as Wolverine in the upcoming X-Men series movie. But Hugh Jackman has officially said goodbye to the 17-year long role that made him a star. In a video posted to Instagram, which you can see above, the 47-year-old shaved his signature beard and sideburns. He captioned the short clip: “My wife is going to be very happy. #GoodbyeChops #thedebs.” <img width="368" height="460" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/08/22/16/377E379B00000578-3753187-image-m-237_1471879346476.jpg" alt="Close to the skin: In the short 30 second clip, the Australian actor stared into the mirror as he used an electric razor to remove his grown out hair" class="blkBorder img-share" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-7b1db190914deaae"/> The Aussie actor recently finished filming the final movie of the series, which is set to hit theatres next year. Jackman announced his retirement from the X-Men character last year, saying, “It just felt like it was the right time to do it.” “And let’s be honest, 17 years. I never thought in a million years it would last, so I’m so grateful to the fans for the opportunity of playing it,” he said. “I kind of have in my head what we’re going to do in this last one. It just feels like this is the perfect way to go out.” Related links: <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/07/what-10-stars-looked-like-when-they-were-young/">What 10 stars looked like when they were young</a> <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/06/favourite-musical-films/">Our favourite musical films</a> <a href="/entertainment/movies/2016/05/highest-earning-films-of-all-time/">Highest-earning films of all time</a>

News

4 natural ways to banish facial hair

When it comes to hair, it seems that us ladies want it all long and luscious on top with minimal hair everywhere else. Unwanted facial hair can be a result of hormones (especially as estrogen levels change around the menopause) as well as genetics, medications and other medical issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The good news is there are plenty of ways to deal with the issue using natural products that you probably already have in the house. 1. Honey and sugar wax All you need is sugar, water and honey for this homemade wax. How to: <ol> <li>In a small saucepan on a medium heat, place two teaspoons of brown or white sugar, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of water.</li> <li>Stir for around 30 seconds until it starts to bubble and go darker. Set aside to cool.</li> <li>When cool enough to touch, use a plastic spoon to apply it to the hair on the face.</li> <li>Put a strip of cloth over the wax and use your finger to smooth it out in the direction of the hair growth.</li> <li>Rip off the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.</li> </ol> 2. Chickpea flour face mask Available from health food stores and some supermarkets, chickpea flour (also known as gram flour or besan) is a great way to remove unwanted fine hair. How to: <ol> <li>In a small bowl, bring together 2 tablespoons chickpea flour, 1 tablespoon of cream, 1 ½ teaspoons of milk, and ¾ teaspoons of ground turmeric.</li> <li>Mix well and use your fingers to apply the face pack. Leave on for 20 minutes until dry, then scrub off with a damp face washer.</li> <li>Repeat three to four times per week for up to a month to see results.</li> </ol> 3. Spearmint tea Often unwanted hair is due to an excessive production of androgen in the body. Spearmint tea is a popular method for regulating the hormones and is regularly used in Turkey. How to: <ol> <li>Boil and pour water for a cup of tea.</li> <li>Add a teaspoon of dried spearmint or 5 leaves of fresh spearmint leaves.</li> <li>Allow to steep for 10 minutes before drinking.</li> <li>Repeat twice a day</li> </ol> 4. Lemon juice and honey face scrub The stickiness of this scrub will help you to remove fine facial hair. Lemon juice cleanses the skin while also lightening the hair, while the honey helps to soften the hair, making it easier to remove. How to: <ol> <li>In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 4 tablespoons of honey.</li> <li>Use the fingers to apply to your face and allow to dry for 20 minutes.</li> <li>Use a warm face washer to scrub the mixture off the face.</li> <li>Repeat twice a week for up to 3 months. </li> </ol> Have you used any natural methods for removing facial hair? We would love to hear your tips in the comments. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/problem-with-all-natural-skincare-products/">The problem with “all-natural” skincare products</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/ways-to-make-your-perfume-last-longer/">6 ways to make your perfume last longer</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/5-of-the-most-elegant-accessories/">5 of the most elegant accessories</a>

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What your dog’s facial expressions really mean