CV Dazzle: Public Anonymity through Fashion

Camouflage from Computer Vision (CVDazzle.com)

CV Dazzle is camouflage from computer vision (CV). It is a form of expressive interference that combines makeup and hair styling (or other modifications) with face-detection thwarting designs. The name is derived from a type of camouflage used during WWI, called Dazzle, which was used to break apart the gestalt-image of warships, making it hard to discern their directionality, size, and orientation. Likewise, the goal of CV Dazzle is to break apart the gestalt of a face, or object, and make it undetectable to computer vision algorithms, in particular face detection.

In response to the increasing popularity and dependability of facial recognition systems, there is an avant garde movement that seeks to join computer programmers, fashion designers, and stylists in an effort to maintain the option of public anonymity in a world of public facial recognition.

You have to admit, this

Photo: CVDazzle.com

 is a way more interesting way to thwart face rec than this.

Photo: Bank of America

Check out their site. There are a lot of cool images there — sort of  Lisbeth Salander meets nouveau punk — as well as some good information about face recognition.

But what happens to the future Dazzler who wants to use a multi-modal face and voice recognition ATM on the way to their face rec-accessible office?