Understand how the facial recognition system works

O facial recognition system is a modality of electronic identity validation which has become increasingly popular in many parts of the world, including Brazil. Whether it is unlocking smartphones, digital entrances in commercial buildings or public security systems, this technology is already part of the daily lives of millions of people.

Interest in the topic has intensified in recent years, driven by technological advances and reports of errors and abuses that have raised alerts about its limits and risks. 

Cases of mistaken identification and misuse of data have drawn society's attention and stimulated debates about privacy, regulation and information security.

What is the facial recognition system and how does it work?

Facial recognition is based on artificial intelligence and computer vision, and allows us to identify or authenticate people by analyzing unique facial features. Starting with capturing the facial image, usually done by a common camera, the process follows stages of processing, mapping and comparison with a previously fed database.

The first step is face detection. The camera captures an image and the software identifies the regions that correspond to a human face, differentiating it from other elements in the environment.

Next comes the extraction of key points – called landmarks – which can include the distance between the eyes, the contour of the chin, the size of the nose, the shape of the mouth and other anatomical details.

These points form a unique mathematical vector known as a facial template. This vector is converted into binary code and stored as a digital representation of the face, without needing to keep the original image.

When a new image is captured, the system generates another vector and compares it with those already stored, using machine learning algorithms to find matches.

This analysis can be performed in real time or in asynchronous processes, depending on the application. Accuracy and speed vary depending on image quality, camera type, environment and the robustness of the algorithm used.

Examples of use in different sectors

The versatility of the facial recognition system allows its adoption in various segments of society. Below, we highlight some of the main application contexts.

Public security

In cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Cameras equipped with facial recognition have already been used at major events to identify fugitives from justice. This resource has also been used in urban video monitoring systems, with the aim of expanding surveillance and speeding up responses to incidents.

Despite the proposal to increase security, its use in public spaces has raised concerns about privacy and risks of state abuse.

Airports

A facial biometrics has been implemented in airports to make the boarding process more efficient and secure. Passengers can check in, drop off their bags and pass through boarding gates simply by showing their faces, without presenting physical documents. This automation reduces queues, improves the user experience and makes identity fraud more difficult.

Banks and fintechs

Financial institutions have been adopting facial recognition in account opening stages, authentication transactions and access recovery. Biometric verification makes fraudulent actions more difficult and offers greater convenience to the customer, who does not need to remember complex passwords. In some cases, this process is combined with document scanning to reinforce validation.

Health Insurance

Hospitals and clinics use facial biometrics to speed up registrations and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to certain areas or services. In emergency situations, rapid patient identification can facilitate diagnoses and clinical decisions.

Retail

Retail chains have been testing the use of technology to personalize the consumer experience. With it, it is possible to identify repeat customers, map in-store behavior, optimize marketing, prevent theft and even automate payments at smart checkouts. These uses, however, require additional care with transparency and consumer consent.

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Advantages of facial recognition

The adoption of facial recognition systems brings significant benefits to companies and users. We highlight the main positive points below.

Safety

The technology offers a high level of protection against fraud and unauthorized access, as the biometric dice are unique and difficult to replicate. This makes facial recognition a more secure alternative to traditional passwords, which can be forgotten or leaked.

Agile

Facial recognition authentication happens quickly, often in fractions of a second. This speed improves operational processes, reduces queues and saves time for both customers and employees.

Convenience

There is no need to carry cards, documents or extra devices to be identified. The person's face acts as a natural “key”, eliminating the need for manual actions or passwords.

Integration with other solutions

Facial recognition can be integrated with other digital systems, such as access control, time management, contract validation and service platforms. This synergy increases the usability of the technology and facilitates its adoption in corporate environments.

Risks and challenges of facial recognition

Despite the advantages, the use of facial recognition systems raises important questions of ethics, security and data protection. Check out the main risks below.

Racial bias

Facial recognition algorithms may have higher error rates when identifying Black, Indigenous or Asian people, compared to white faces. 

Bias occurs due to unbalanced or poorly trained databases, which can lead to discrimination and injustice, especially when the technology is used by public authorities.

Identification errors

False positives or negatives can compromise the effectiveness of the solution. A person may be wrongly identified as the perpetrator of a crime, or unfairly denied access to private security systems.

Excessive surveillance

The installation of cameras in public and private spaces, combined with automated facial analysis, can create a feeling of constant surveillance. This monitoring, when carried out without clear criteria, can violate the right to privacy and inhibit individual freedom.

Storage of sensitive data

Biometric data, because it is unique and immutable, requires an extra layer of protection. Leakage or misuse of this data can have serious consequences for the affected individuals, including identity theft, financial fraud and discrimination.

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LGPD and the use of facial biometrics

In Brazil, the use of biometric data, such as facial recognition, is regulated by the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). The law classifies this data as sensitive and requires specific measures for its processing.

The central principle of the LGPD is respect for the privacy and informational self-determination of citizens. This means that no company or public body can collect and use biometric data without a legal basis and without clearly informing what the purpose of the processing will be.

The main points of the legislation include:

• explicit consent: the data subject must authorize the use of their facial biometrics in a free, informed and unequivocal manner.
• specific purpose: the data may only be used for the purposes declared at the time of collection.
• minimization: the company should only collect the data that is really necessary to fulfill its purpose.
• safety: It is mandatory to adopt technical and administrative measures to protect data against unauthorized access, leaks and other incidents.
• transparency: the holder must be able to access information about their data and, if they wish, request correction or deletion.

Compliance with the LGPD therefore represents, in addition to a legal requirement, also a factor of reputation and trust for companies that deal with sensitive data.

Good practices in using the facial recognition system

For organizations that want to implement facial recognition systems in an ethical, safe and efficient manner, some recommendations are essential. The first step is to carry out a data protection impact analysis before adopting the technology, assessing possible risks and preventive measures.

It is also important to ensure that the algorithms used have been tested on different population groups, reducing the chance of bias and increasing the accuracy of identifications.

Another essential precaution is to clearly inform users about the collection and use of biometric data, ensuring complete transparency in the process. Consent must be obtained in a documented manner and in accessible language, reinforcing the autonomy of the holders over their information.

Facial templates need to be stored with robust encryption, in secure environments, and specific time limits for data retention must be defined, with well-established deletion policies.

Finally, it is recommended to rely on reliable technology partners, who follow good information security and privacy practices, contributing to a responsible and effective application of this technology in the corporate environment.

We therefore conclude that the facial recognition system represents a significant innovation in the field of digital authentication and identification, bringing significant gains in security, efficiency and convenience. However, it should be noted that its use must be accompanied by responsibility, attention to fundamental rights and technical rigor to avoid abuses and failures.

For this technology to be adopted in the corporate environment, it is essential to comply with the LGPD, ensure the protection of sensitive data and have reliable tools. Solutions such as those offered by ZapSign combine facial biometrics with digital signatures and advanced security protocols, contributing to a safer and more fluid experience.

If you want to implement facial biometrics responsibly and efficiently, Meet ZapSign and discover how our solutions can transform your identity verification process.