Photo: www.urmesurveillance.com/
The idea of a world under the loop of the Government’s street cameras is far from being only one of James Orwell's stories. In fact, the Federal Bureau of Investigation just announced that the $1 billion huge biometric face recognition software is up and running. This is why artist Leo Selvaggio’s URME Surveillance will probably be the start in a long line of devices designed to prevent the Government from spying on you.
We already told you guys that the FBI finally got its Next Generation Identification program started. After over six years of development, the huge biometric face recognition software went online two days ago. The system will include 52 million individual faces by next year and is reportedly using the latest recognition technologies on the market.
Coincidence or not, less than 48 hours after we wrote the story, we stumbled upon the exact opposite device, one that could make for the world’s smartest anti-surveillance system. Smart and extremly simple, that is.
Envisioned as a 3D printed rubber mask with the visage of its creator, the Chicago-based artist’s URME Surveillance is a non-profit venture dedicated to “protecting the public from surveillance and creating a safe space to explore our digital identities.”
Started as an Indiegogo crowd-funding project, the mask is one of three products made by an artist who believes technology will eventually lead to a total lack of privacy.
“Our world is becoming increasingly surveilled. For example, Chicago has over 25,000 cameras networked to a single facial recognition hub. We don’t believe you should be tracked just because you want to walk outside and you shouldn’t have to hide either. Instead, use one of our products to present an alternative identity when in public,” reads the URME (pronounced U R Me) video.
Because the 3D printing technology is still quite expensive, the rubber mask will cost you $200, but there is also $1 paper printed mask that one can wear and that will still do the job. Even though it might be a bit creepy, as you’re basically wearing Selvaggio’s face, the idea is pretty cool considering all this privacy controversies.
There still are two problems left unsolved. Firstly, what happens if criminals will also use the mask, thus avoiding police charges. And secondly, what happens if the surveillance system could identify people only through using pictures with people's eyes?
Coincidence or not, less than 48 hours after we wrote the story, we stumbled upon the exact opposite device, one that could make for the world’s smartest anti-surveillance system. Smart and extremly simple, that is.
Envisioned as a 3D printed rubber mask with the visage of its creator, the Chicago-based artist’s URME Surveillance is a non-profit venture dedicated to “protecting the public from surveillance and creating a safe space to explore our digital identities.”
Started as an Indiegogo crowd-funding project, the mask is one of three products made by an artist who believes technology will eventually lead to a total lack of privacy.
“Our world is becoming increasingly surveilled. For example, Chicago has over 25,000 cameras networked to a single facial recognition hub. We don’t believe you should be tracked just because you want to walk outside and you shouldn’t have to hide either. Instead, use one of our products to present an alternative identity when in public,” reads the URME (pronounced U R Me) video.
Because the 3D printing technology is still quite expensive, the rubber mask will cost you $200, but there is also $1 paper printed mask that one can wear and that will still do the job. Even though it might be a bit creepy, as you’re basically wearing Selvaggio’s face, the idea is pretty cool considering all this privacy controversies.
There still are two problems left unsolved. Firstly, what happens if criminals will also use the mask, thus avoiding police charges. And secondly, what happens if the surveillance system could identify people only through using pictures with people's eyes?
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