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State wipes smiles off driver's license
INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers won't be saying "cheese" when they get their driver's license photos from now on.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has imposed new restrictions on anything -- from smiling to wearing glasses and scarves and hats -- that would hamper facial recognition software from distinguishing one driver's looks from another's.
"The technology looks at the permanent physical features of the face," BMV spokesman Dennis Rosebrough said. "Because people smile differently, it can in effect distort the photograph. A straight-faced photograph enhances the effectiveness of the technology."
About 20 other states -- including Kentucky -- use facial recognition technology to detect fraud in driver's licenses. But not all states are as restrictive as Indiana.
Kentucky law prohibits drivers from wearing sunglasses or any clothing that obstructs the face but says nothing about smiles or prescription glasses. It leaves the final say on photos to circuit court clerks, who issue the licenses.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing has not released directives for clerks to ban smiles, even though the vendor that provides the facial recognition software has said they can cause issues with the software, said cabinet spokesman Mark Brown.
"We can't do anything the KRS (state law) doesn't allow," Brown said.
But state officials remain confident they "have an effective tool that helps combat fraud in the licensing process."
The systems work by checking new license photos against others in the states' databases. Rosebrough said the systems are looking for people using multiple names or the same name but different photos.
"If there's a mismatch, the software will pop up with an exception, and then we'll begin the process of examining it," he said.
Kentucky started using its facial recognition software in 2005. Indiana started the program Nov. 18, when it installed new branch cameras that self-center the photos and assist with the recognition software.
So far, Indiana officials say they are getting 500 to 600 hits a day, which amounts to a sort of preliminary match from the computer system that raises questions about a photo. Rosebrough said that's a manageable number and that the vast majority of issues are resolved quickly.
"It sounds more foreboding than it is," he said.
A much smaller number get further investigation. None have so far been determined to be cases of fraud, he said.
To assist with the technology, drivers may be asked to brush hair away from their face, remove a headband or remain stone-faced during the photo, Rosebrough said. Even prescription glasses must be removed because they impede the software's ability to see permanent features, he said.
Each of the state's 140 license branches has signs that explain the new rules, and there have been a few questions. But Rosebrough said most people are accepting of the restrictions when they understand it's to prevent fraud.
"There are exceptions based on bona fide religious or medical needs," he said.
"There is a process set out where people can be allowed to wear a hat or headgear or even glasses. But those situations are taken on a case-by-case basis."
Reporter Lesley Stedman Weidenbener can be reached at (317) 444-2780.
LINK
INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers won't be saying "cheese" when they get their driver's license photos from now on.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has imposed new restrictions on anything -- from smiling to wearing glasses and scarves and hats -- that would hamper facial recognition software from distinguishing one driver's looks from another's.
"The technology looks at the permanent physical features of the face," BMV spokesman Dennis Rosebrough said. "Because people smile differently, it can in effect distort the photograph. A straight-faced photograph enhances the effectiveness of the technology."
About 20 other states -- including Kentucky -- use facial recognition technology to detect fraud in driver's licenses. But not all states are as restrictive as Indiana.
Kentucky law prohibits drivers from wearing sunglasses or any clothing that obstructs the face but says nothing about smiles or prescription glasses. It leaves the final say on photos to circuit court clerks, who issue the licenses.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing has not released directives for clerks to ban smiles, even though the vendor that provides the facial recognition software has said they can cause issues with the software, said cabinet spokesman Mark Brown.
"We can't do anything the KRS (state law) doesn't allow," Brown said.
But state officials remain confident they "have an effective tool that helps combat fraud in the licensing process."
The systems work by checking new license photos against others in the states' databases. Rosebrough said the systems are looking for people using multiple names or the same name but different photos.
"If there's a mismatch, the software will pop up with an exception, and then we'll begin the process of examining it," he said.
Kentucky started using its facial recognition software in 2005. Indiana started the program Nov. 18, when it installed new branch cameras that self-center the photos and assist with the recognition software.
So far, Indiana officials say they are getting 500 to 600 hits a day, which amounts to a sort of preliminary match from the computer system that raises questions about a photo. Rosebrough said that's a manageable number and that the vast majority of issues are resolved quickly.
"It sounds more foreboding than it is," he said.
A much smaller number get further investigation. None have so far been determined to be cases of fraud, he said.
To assist with the technology, drivers may be asked to brush hair away from their face, remove a headband or remain stone-faced during the photo, Rosebrough said. Even prescription glasses must be removed because they impede the software's ability to see permanent features, he said.
Each of the state's 140 license branches has signs that explain the new rules, and there have been a few questions. But Rosebrough said most people are accepting of the restrictions when they understand it's to prevent fraud.
"There are exceptions based on bona fide religious or medical needs," he said.
"There is a process set out where people can be allowed to wear a hat or headgear or even glasses. But those situations are taken on a case-by-case basis."
Reporter Lesley Stedman Weidenbener can be reached at (317) 444-2780.
LINK
