Face Recognition System: Need for the System in Aadhar Project

Biometrics is fast capturing the world of security. It is now established that
this is the most advanced technology for identity verification. Facial recognition
system is the most popular amongst them all! It has established itself as a
high-tech application that is accurate and hassle-free. Modern face recognition
system can be combined with other software and used in daily activities. This
application may use either feature based algorithm or image based algorithm
to recognize individuals. Users need to enroll themselves into the system foremost.
Their identity will be verified whenever they look at the camera, later on.
Biometric face recognition system is an intelligent security solution.

Identity confirmation with the help of physical traits is getting widely popular.
Almost all the countries use this mechanism. India is no exception! Government
of India, recently, started a project to allot a Unique Identification Number
(UIN) to all its citizens. The project has been named ‘Aadhar’ which
means support in the national language. This initiative, if successful, may
solve the problem of fake PAN Card in the country. UID number issued to all
the nationals of the country is expected to contain their photograph and biometric
details. It may solve the identity issues among the poor and under privileged.

Project is already implemented. Ten ‘adivasis’ got their UID number
in the village of Maharashtra. It promises enhanced security and may be fully
operational by May 2011. General information for each citizen will be included
in the Identity card like name, sex and date of birth, marital status, educational
qualification, occupation, address, and the individual biometrics. Unique Identification
Authority of India (UIDAI) will include three biometric details for each individual
– face, fingerprints, and iris. However, fingerprints and iris will be
given priority as compared to facial details. It may be only used to detect
false matches if the other two details fail to convince authorities.

Experts state that use of face recognition system may not serve the purpose.
Facial scan is not as accurate as the other two. There could be many similar
faces and chances are that every one recognition out of ten is false. Though
this possibility cannot be ruled out completely, modern facial recognition system
uses advanced algorithm. Likelihood of False Accept Rates (FAR) and False Reject
Rates (FRR) are less. Besides, the risk of inaccuracy is prevalent in fingerprint
and iris scan as well. Officials only include it as a secondary option as for
now! Still, the use of biometric face recognition system may be made considerably
throughout the mission.

Privacy may pose an issue with this project. Personal details of every Indian
may be available at a single point. It can be misused. Centralization of biometric
details, especially facial demography, may prove to be all the more harmful.
Yet, it is advisable to make more use of face recognition system. Aadhar is
a national project that is designed for better protection of the country. India
is a country prone to cross border terrorism. Identity confirmation may ensure
that there is lesser crime, terrorist attacks, and other anti-social activities.
Facial scan is sure to provide better results in identity verification. Use
of face recognition system may make certain that the project meet the set expectations.