Computer vision dazzle explained

Computer vision dazzle also known as CV dazzle, dazzle makeup, or anti-surveillance makeup, is a type of camouflage used to hamper facial recognition software, inspired by dazzle camouflage used by vehicles such as ships and planes.^[1]

Methods

CV dazzle combines stylized makeup, asymmetric hair, and sometimes infrared lights built in to glasses or clothing to break up detectable facial patterns recognized by computer vision algorithms in much the same way that warships contrasted color and used sloping lines and curves to distort the structure of a vessel.^{[2] [3]}

It has been shown to be somewhat successful at defeating face detection software in common use, including that employed by Facebook.^{[4] [5]} CV dazzle attempts to block detection by facial recognition technologies such as DeepFace "by creating an 'anti-face'".^[6] It uses occlusion, covering certain facial features; transformation, altering the shape or colour of parts of the face; and a combination of the two.^[7] Prominent artists employing this technique include Adam Harvey^{[8] [9] [10]} and Jillian Mayer.^[11]

Use in protests

Computer vision dazzle makeup has been used by protesters in several different protest movements.^[12] Its use as a protesting aid has often been found ineffective. It may be effective to thwart computer technology, but draws human attention, is easy for human monitors to spot on security cameras, and makes it hard for protesters to blend in within a crowd. Advances in facial recognition technology make dazzle makeup increasingly ineffective.^[13]

See also

• Adversarial machine learning

Notes and References

1. Web site: Yes, There's a Way to Outsmart Facial Recognition Technology—And It Comes Down to Your Makeup . Valenti . Lauren . March 30, 2018 . . February 21, 2019.
2. Web site: Melanson . Donald . Student thwarts face detection software with 'CV Dazzle' makeup . . March 15, 2011 . January 7, 2012.
3. Web site: Computer Vision Dazzle Makeup . today and tomorrow . March 31, 2010 . January 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120125132358/http://www.todayandtomorrow.net/2010/03/31/computer-vision-dazzle-makeup/ . January 25, 2012 . dead .
4. Web site: Melanson . Donald . Student thwarts face detection software with 'CV Dazzle' makeup . . March 15, 2011 . January 7, 2012.
5. Web site: Computer Vision Dazzle Makeup . today and tomorrow . March 31, 2010 . January 7, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120125132358/http://www.todayandtomorrow.net/2010/03/31/computer-vision-dazzle-makeup/ . January 25, 2012 . dead .
6. News: The Anti-Surveillance State: Clothes and Gadgets Block Face Recognition Technology, Confuse Drones and Make You (Digitally) Invisible . . 21 April 2015 . 3 November 2015 . Janet . Burns.
7. Book: Ranran . Feng . Balakrishnan . Prabhakaran . Proceedings of the 21st ACM international conference on Multimedia . Facilitating fashion camouflage art . ACM . 2013 . 978-1-4503-2404-5 . 793–802 . MM '13 . 10.1145/2502081.2502121. 1547688 .
8. Web site: Harvey . Adam . CV Dazzle: Camouflage from Computer Vision . October 26, 2013.
9. Web site: Stone . Zara . How to Steal Google Glasses Using Technology . Fusion . August 22, 2013 . October 26, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131027203007/http://www.fusion.net/modern_life/story/face-detection-tech-workarounds-steal-google-glasses-18980 . October 27, 2013 . dead .
10. Web site: Meltzer . Tom . The anti-drone hoodie that helps you beat Big Brother's spy in the sky . The Guardian . March 31, 2013 . October 27, 2013.
11. Web site: Caplan . B. . Optic Nerve Video Festival: Jillian Mayer Versus the Surveillance State . August 20, 2013 . October 26, 2013.
12. Web site: CV Dazzle: Computer Vision Dazzle Camouflage. 2021-08-07. cvdazzle.com.
13. Web site: Sharma. Jeena. Why Is Anti-Surveillance Makeup Trending?. 2021-08-07. Nylon. 16 June 2020 . en.