Our industry grapples with the use of AI in all its forms, from education to scenic design and video content, to name just a few examples. New York City entertainment venues, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, got embroiled in a battle over the use of facial recognition to bar certain people from attending events, and it seems to have carried over to Sphere in Las Vegas. This AI technology was in fact used by MSG to ban lawyers working for firms suing the company, according to James Dolan, chairman of the venues.
Using AI myself, I employed the help of ChatGPT to generate this Q&A and provide an overview of facial recognition: why it might be useful and some drawbacks or objections, in terms of live events such as festivals. A bit of a spoof, but some good information (we would generally never use AI like ChatGPT to generate original content.. this is AI on AI).
Live Design: Is facial recognition a form of AI?
ChatGPT: Yes, facial recognition is considered a form of artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, decision-making, and problem-solving.
Facial recognition systems rely on AI algorithms and techniques to analyze and interpret facial features, detect patterns, and make judgments about identity. These systems use machine learning algorithms to train on large datasets of faces, enabling them to learn and improve their recognition capabilities over time.
AI plays a crucial role in facial recognition by enabling the system to automatically process and analyze vast amounts of visual data, identify unique facial features, and make accurate comparisons or matches against a database of known faces. The technology combines computer vision, pattern recognition, and machine learning to perform these tasks, making it a significant application of AI.
LD: How does facial recognition work?
CG: Facial recognition is a technology that involves identifying or verifying an individual's identity by analyzing their facial features. It is a form of biometric identification that uses algorithms and machine learning techniques to detect and recognize unique patterns in a person's face.
Facial recognition systems typically work by capturing an image or a video of a person's face using a camera. The system then analyzes the facial features, such as the distance between the eyes, the shape of the nose, the contours of the face, and other distinctive characteristics. These features are converted into a mathematical representation, often called a faceprint or facial signature.
The faceprint is then compared against a database of known faces to find a potential match. If a match is found, the system can provide information about the person's identity, such as their name or other relevant details. Facial recognition can be used for various purposes, including access control, identity verification, surveillance, and law enforcement.
It's worth noting that while facial recognition technology offers potential benefits, such as improved security and convenience, it also raises concerns related to privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse. Issues such as accuracy, bias, and the potential for unauthorized access to personal information are subjects of ongoing debate and regulation in many jurisdictions.
it's worth noting that there have been instances where facial recognition technology has been used or tested in various venues, including sports arenas and entertainment venues like Madison Square Garden. These deployments have often sparked debates about privacy, security, and the potential impact on individuals' rights.
LD: Why do festivals and other events use facial recognition?
CG: Facial recognition technology has been used at some festivals and large-scale events in the past, but its specific usage may vary depending on the event organizers and local regulations. Some festivals have experimented with facial recognition for various purposes, including ticketing, access control, crowd management, and enhanced security measures.
For example, facial recognition systems could be employed to verify ticket holders, expedite entry processes, identify individuals on watchlists or banned lists, or assist in locating lost or missing persons within crowded festival grounds.
It's important to note that the use of facial recognition at festivals can raise concerns related to privacy, consent, data security, and potential misuse. As with any use of biometric technologies, it's crucial for event organizers to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical considerations, and to communicate transparently with attendees about the use of facial recognition and its purposes.
LD: Can you list a few specific examples:
CG:
• Enhanced security: Facial recognition can assist in enhancing security measures at festivals by identifying individuals on watchlists or banned lists. It can help identify potential threats or individuals with a history of disruptive behavior, enabling event organizers to take appropriate action.
• Access control and ticket verification: Facial recognition can be used to streamline the entry process and verify the identity of ticket holders. By comparing the faces of attendees against a database of authorized individuals, it can help prevent ticket fraud or unauthorized entry.
• Crowd management and safety: Large festivals often deal with significant crowds, and facial recognition can aid in monitoring and managing those crowds. It can provide insights into crowd density, movement patterns, and potential bottlenecks, helping organizers take proactive measures to ensure the safety and smooth flow of attendees.
• Lost and found services: Facial recognition technology can be used to locate lost or missing individuals within festival grounds. By analyzing real-time video feeds or comparing images captured at different locations, it can assist in reuniting lost individuals with their friends or family members.
• Personalized experiences: Facial recognition can be utilized to offer personalized experiences to festival attendees. For example, it can enable interactive installations or displays that customize content based on a person's facial features or previous interactions.
It's important to note that the use of facial recognition at festivals raises privacy concerns, and it's crucial for event organizers to adhere to relevant laws and regulations, obtain proper consent, and ensure the secure handling of personal data. The specific reasons and implementation of facial recognition technology can vary based on the goals and requirements of each festival.
LD: It remains to be seen where the use of AI will take us, but it seems to be coming at us with the force of a tsunami…