Facial Recognition Marketing

More and more companies are utilizing facial recognition technology to personalize their marketing message to consumers. The technology utilizes cameras and software to measure facial features. The measurements are then compared to data that represents average facial features of men and women in various age groups, with the result being a customized marketing message to that person.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/aug/21/business/la-fi-facial-recognition-20110821

NEC employee Olga Foster demonstrates a facial recognition system’s ability to estimate her age, gender and race. NEC makes display screens used for facial recognition-driven ads. (NEC Corp.)

One group of bar owners in Chicago uses facial recognition cameras, software and an app to let potential customers know which bars are “chill, social, hoppin’ or crazy”, the male to female ratio, and the average age of the patrons. Thus, you can avoid a boring night out, unless that’s what you’re looking for.

The potential for marketing is huge, but personal privacy concerns will certainly be a roadblock as the use of this technology evolves.