Brutal Disfigurement Charity Exposes Rampant Exclusion By AI Facial Recognition Tools

[Lazyandtalentless]

Disfigurement Charity Exposes Rampant Exclusion By AI Facial Recognition Tools

New research has shed light on significant issues experienced by those with facial differences and disfigurements in using AI facial recognition tools.

www.forbes.com

Organization Involved: Face Equality International

• Issue Highlighted: AI facial recognition tools discriminate against individuals with facial disfigurements.
• Campaign Launched: Visibly Invisible

Key Problems Identified

1. Bias in AI Facial Recognition
   • AI tools trained on “regular” facial datasets exclude those with facial differences.
   • Results in failed verifications, user lockouts, and feelings of dehumanization.
2. Real-World Consequences
   • Social Media:
     • 32% of respondents had trouble uploading photos.
     • Photos flagged or rejected with “content warnings.”
   • Banking Apps:
     • Only 21% said apps consistently work.
     • Some users unable to verify identity.
     • Caused fear of losing banking independence.
   • E-passport Gates:
     • 12% reported these never work for them.
     • Led to public embarrassment and anxiety.
   • Photo Apps (e.g. Google Photos, Apple Photos):
     • 25% faced difficulties.
   • Phone Unlocking:
     • 22% could not reliably unlock phones via facial recognition.

Statements from Advocates

• Phyllida Swift (CEO, Face Equality International):
  “Facial/visible difference is consistently an afterthought in the policies…”
• Adam Pearson (Actor/Presenter with Neurofibromatosis):
  “My face is everywhere… and yet, facial recognition software does not work on faces like mine.”

Call to Action

• Further Research Needed:
  • Into AI bias affecting disfigured individuals.
  • Comparison with results from users without disfigurements.
• Broader Implications:
  • Tech will soon affect gaming, retail, employment, etc.

Legislative Gaps

• Facial differences not always legally protected.
  • Often not considered disabilities due to lack of functional impairments.
  • Leads to exclusion from DEI efforts and legal protections.

Conclusion

• Urgency: Without active highlighting of these exclusions, meaningful solutions will not emerge.
• Systemic Change Required: In technology development, legal frameworks, and societal attitudes.

 

[Shay Patrick Cormac]

Blackpill overdose, need some copium