Facial recognition software used in Social Media and elsewhere - paranoid?

[alicia71]

Is anyone else concerned about the use of facial recognition software used in social media sites such as Facebook and the possibility of being outed by it? Especially if one has FB accounts as both male and female personas and posted pictures of themselves in each. Are such matches made less likely if you never friend the other persona? Can you be sure that your current friends would never friend the other persona?

Also, commercial and governmental agencies can make use of the ever present surveillance cameras to make matches of faces no matter how well made up.

That surveillance presence might make one paranoid about dressing in public.

[Karren H]

No... I don't really care who recognizes me. You probably shouldn't watch "Person of Interest". Lol. Love that show!

[RADER]

Do not be concerned; big brother already knows all about you, and is trying to
find a way to tax you for your double identity. So dig deep.
Rader

[Eryn]

It does concern me, as such technology will soon be available to anyone with a web connection. You'll be able to submit an image to Google and it'll find every other instance of that face on the web. A perfect tool for mischief by shallow people. For this reason I try to avoid high resolution shots of my face.

As far as Big Brother, there is little doubt that there is widespread data aggregation from the entire flow of the web, email, text messaging, etc., all in the name of "national security." Short of moving to a cave in Montana there isn't anything one can do about that. Luckily, my little predilection isn't of much current interest to those folks and won't be unless a theocracy or somesuch is established.

[Cassi3]

I worry about it, but not really. Facial recognition has been out there a while now. As for FB, well I don't use it or any other social site. More free time for me. I keep in touch the old fashioned way. So in reality I don't worry much about it.

[Lori B]

this was flying over my car last time I was out enfemme,,,,the dreaded Predator CD Drone:doh::heehee:

[Kate Simmons]

Not the least bit concerned Hon. NSA has been able to do this for years. They know who we all are also. We'd have been "taken"(don't get me started) long ago if we were considered a threat to National Security. Trust me, I used to work in Intel. The only way it becomes an issue is if you try to hide it and it can be used to coerce you to do something against the country by blackmailing you.:)

[Lesley_Roberta]

The trick with being outted, is to have never given a shit to begin with.

Let's see, most of my friends know what Leslie likes to wank to.
I have told friends the wife and I have done it on just about every surface in the house.
My friends know they WILL knock before entering, and if they don't get a reply, knock till you do. Because I don't care if I get caught nude, but they might not want to see it.
My friends know I like watching Sailor Moon :) (along with hundreds of other shows that don't scream out blood and gore and guy type action, Dragonball bores me).

Secrets are a pain in the ass. I prefer to have none. The only people unaware of what I am dealing with, are dense enough to store uranium up their ass safely :)

The only thing preventing me from going to the next game at my buddy's for the Monday night role gaming session in girl's clothing, is I personally am not satisfied with my figure. But fortunately I am dropping the weight, I have hope. I just don't feel like doing what my wife is doing. Buy pants that only fit for a month, and then are too big (she's shedding weight so fast it's depressing trying to keep up with her). I want to buy something I can wear as long as I am used to wearing clothes (till I wear them out enjoying them).
That first skirt will be earned.

[NathalieX66]

I put this side of me on public media because I truly don't want the government, or any secret entity to know the real me. :)

[Simply Joslyn]

Not in the least bit paranoid, don't use facebook fro two reasons I don't feel the need to let everyone I know in on what I'm doing and I have a friend who does nothing but use his phone and browse the Internet including facebook, and while doing this he get tunnel vision and he'll even pick the thing up while I'm talking...how rude. Luckily I feel any obligations I have to the twerp are done so I'll be saving my self a whole lot of aggravation soon enough. Back on the topic though like Lesley said the first step is not caring anymore, and thats one of things I've had to perfect over the years otherwise I'd be insane, if someone finds out and has a problem with me they'll be filling out hospital release papers in a week if they try anything.

[Kelly DeWinter]

I'm with Karen on this, Who cares, In fact I believe that if the number of CD/TG were really known, men's shirts would come in bright colors with ruffels !

[Kelly_Gurl21]

I am not very concerned. I don't imagine that the technology will ever be THAT far advanced (at least not till we're all gone) but, if someone is so determined to find you, let them! be who you are! Also, on the contrary to what most anti-social media types say, there ARE privacy settings on every social media outlet that DO work. Just read on whatever site to make sure you have the most privacy possible.

[sierra_g]

Facebook has been doing this. If you don't believe it, post a pic of yourself looking straight at a camera and post it to one facebook, then take a similar picture while en femme and wait about a month. Not only will Google Images pick it up, but Facebook will as well. Getty Images created the software for in house use (more people steal from Getty than any other photo bank) and has recently started leasing out the software. Google's is based on image algorithms, and I am pretty sure facebook is using Getty's. Take a picture of yourself and drop it into the Google Images search. It may find more than you hoped for.

[docrobbysherry]

All this facial recognition, NSA, blackmail, being outed, talk is VERY worrying! Maybe I should start wearing a mask!?

[PretzelGirl]

I believe we get a little overconcerned sometimes. That is not to say you shouldn't be careful, but if you get nervous about security, you can stop doing a lot of things. Facebook takes a lot of flak for it but I think if you set your settings and take ownership, you will be fine. The same with facial recognition. If it was in use by our government "spooks", how many of us with clearances would hear about it when we get interviewed?

[Lorileah]

Nope, not concerned at all. Why? I am not breaking any laws. My opinions are the same as male or feminine. I am left wing hippie commie socialist not hetero. They already know this along with where I live and what I do. I don't have time to worry about the 5 cameras per person watching me. Besides, on this very site there is a picture of my male side identifying said photo to me.

[lingerieLiz]

Don't worry they already know. Every computer has a unique number. They know who you are and every where you have gone.

All joking aside network cards do have a unique number and can be tracked. Who cares, except ...

[CloserthanthisGG]

The idea that it exists, terrifies me to no end. Not for being "outed", but for being tracked. But I have decided to not live in terror. In other words, I am conflicted. :)

[sierra_g]

The idea that it exists, terrifies me to no end. Not for being "outed", but for being tracked. But I have decided to not live in terror. In other words, I am conflicted. :)

Sometimes, usually when the drinks come out, I just think that being outed would be best. Kinda like swimming in a really cold river. You just need to be thrown in and you deal with the shock and then later with the revenge for whoever did it, then you are free to swim. Then again, who really wants to get hypothermia and drown today. Maybe next time. lol

[Nicole Erin]

this was flying over my car last time I was out enfemme,,,,the dreaded Predator CD Drone:doh::heehee:
Lori, well, in that case, you are pretty much f***ed.

For going out en femme, when one lives full time it matters not.
But for real, what does it matter otherwise? Are the fashion police looking at these stupid cameras?
Is a fashion cop gonna get out and say to you in a lispy voice, "hmm MMM gir'frien! That dress is a tragedy! And what second hand store did you find those horrid shoes?! They are HIT! GURL you need to learn how to do drag and own it! mmm HMMM!"

All I can say is - phucket.

[CarolineM]

Don't worry they already know. Every computer has a unique number. They know who you are and every where you have gone.

All joking aside network cards do have a unique number and can be tracked. Who cares, except ...

Strictly speaking, that number can only be seen on the same local network, not the wider internet. Then again, my home IP address is static and registered to me, so someone with half a clue and that could find out my name real easy :) But then, I'm strange and geeky like that :D

But hey, if you're already posting pictures of yourself en-femme in FB, then you've got to realise that the original facial recognition system that so widely deployed to almost every living person in the world will eventually kick in and find you.

The only way not to be recognised is not to post pics of yourself. Or wear a mask.

(and to the "Who cares?" brigade, great if you're out, not so great if you're not: not everyone is, wants to be, or can be. And if they want to come out, would rather do it at a time/place of their choosing, not outed online by a photo)

xxx

Caroline

[Deidre]

im trying to be able to go out in public dressed up and live in a small town that knows me well so i wouldnt care :)

[erickka]

If you don't want everyone knowing your business, stay off the internet...especially the dreaded social media websites. I post NO pics, do not bank or shop via the net, and that is at least a little bit more secure in today's age of electronic big brother snooping.

[Kate Simmons]

All this facial recognition, NSA, blackmail, being outed, talk is VERY worrying! Maybe I should start wearing a mask!?Just don't forget to leave a silver bullet RS.:battingeyelashes::)

[Sandra1746]

If you want to remain completely anonymous you pretty well have to live in a cave or under a rock. No credit cards, no utilities, no real estate, no car, no cellphone or regular phone, and NO internet or any social networks. Produce your own food and pay for what you buy with cash. In the society of today this is pretty difficult

The real issue is, of what value is the information you are trying to protect; eg your dressing? If you can be blackmailed to give National Secrets to a foreign government because of it then the GOV is going to be interested. Otherwise they couldn't care less. If you don't really care who knows then you are immune. Privacy is an issue; you probably don't want pictures of you and your SO having sex published even though this is perfectly legal. The 3-letter agencies used to be almost paranoid about gays back in the early 70's but now they have sponsored gay and lesbian clubs. Opinions do change.

If the GOV wants to find out stuff about you they will find it, they have resources to do it. A private person doesn't have those resources but they can also find out information if you "give" it to them. If someone went back through my 260+ posts I predict they'd have a high probability of being able to "guess" (it is all about probabilities) who I really am. The GOV can get the IP records and get to me faster. But SO WHAT, I'm not putting a flashing billboard in my yard but I'm not hiding either.

Too much paranoia is not healthy, it leads to stress and more paranoia. It also makes life no fun

Enjoy life,
Sandra1746

[Lesley_Roberta]

I have had a few of our community join up with me on my Facebook recently. Some I recognize, some must be employing sig line (that was the point of it though :)).

As I see it it is win win with me.

Either my friends are clueless, and think I am suddenly popular with the ladies, or my friends fin of the blueally clue in because of all the people I know lately that seem to reinforce what I have been trying to say on Facebook :)

It will show a measure of the worth of some of my friends, if they can cope with being on MY Facebook list with some really interesting people. I never friend people from out blue though. If they are on my list, I actually have a connection. Better to have 10 meaningful people on list, than 100 or 1000 only good for an ego stroke.

[Launa]

Right now I'm not ready to come out on facebook although I would like to do it and say I really don't give a crap, I can't. My big and only reason is my SO supprts me in so many ways but doesn't want me posting pics or at least right now so I don't. If it wasn't for that then I would do it just like some other members here. Maybe one day I will go pay my taxes wearing a nice dress.
If big brother is trying to figure out what I'm doing in my spare time then they have too much time and money on their hands.
If any of us are concerned, I think the biggest worry is about employers trying to find out some dirt about us and to discriminate before hiring.
Maybe one day I will get to put myself out there just like others here!!!

[Lesley_Roberta]

Work is a real concern, I can sure understand that.

I have not worked since 94. Life saw to that.

I suspect if I was in the work force, I would not be present on any form of social interactive site as either of me in any fashion (including here). Work is needed generally speaking and in today's world, there is no such thing as a useless job. Just having ANY job can sometimes be a major hurdle.

If I was self employed I'd likely be just to busy to acknowledge the internet's existence at all. I'd have a web page I paid a service to support.

That, and if you have had a messy relationship go sideways on you and kids were involved, odds are you just can't afford the existence of even the slightest peculiarity in your life. I've watched what my sister went through, and chances are I wouldn't even want her on my Facebook. Better for her to have no connection with it for HER sake.

[Foxglove]

I'm trying to figure out why any government official would care that I'm TG. Surely they've got other things to worry about. Like wrecking the economy and trying to figure out how they personally can profit from it.

I've been buying some stuff on line lately, and I'd say probably everyone I've bought from has guessed that I'm TG. They have my name, address, etc., and I don't care.

So if I don't care that other people know I'm TG, why am I still in the closet--especially since I'm not really in the closet? I really need to figure out how to be logical.

Annabelle

[Lesley_Roberta]

Might only be a regional difficulty too.

Where you live for instance will impact your life.

I live in small town nowhere central Ontario. Your colour your gender and your religious views are really not that important (well been living here since 67 and I have never witnessed any problems with any of the things I mentioned).

But small towns don't tend to have the numbers needed for some groups to actually be noticed much I suppose.

I've always wondered if I could 'like' living in the Southern US in the bible belt zone. I've been to Florida (and very briefly to bury my grandfather), but otherwise, never been there. Not sure how it is to live in the region, and the need to cope with the attitudes.

I am not concerned with any of our various issues as they might be received around here. I might have led a sheltered life too.

[Beth Wilde]

As others have said, the easiest way is to not give a damn! I have FB accounts for both sides of me and they are friends with each other. Several of my friends and colleagues are friends with both...... As a result it comes up as a friend suggestion for people who know either side of me! So many people look, ask themselves "Do I know a Beth"? and then move on! :)

[Kaz]

OK, I've done it... opened a facebook page as me... let's see what happens! Damn thing requires a conventional name though!

[Kate Simmons]

Just wanted you to know also that I did have two FB accounts en femme. One as Ericka and one as Denise. I deleted them though, not because I was afraid of being recognized but because I got so much "cutesy" stuff from friends, et. al. that I really didn't have time to keep up with it all, especially since I had gone back to working part time then. Just kept my guy account.:)

[EllieOPKS]

Very very scary! Now it all adds up............Elvis really was sited working at a gas station in Minnesota. DAMN YOU FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARE!!!!!!!!

[Jilmac]

That's ok Rader, If big brother tries to tax both of me, the only thing he'll get is a big Bronx cheer and an empty wallet. If he wants to throw me in debtors prison I can be my own cell mate.
Do not be concerned; big brother already knows all about you, and is trying to
find a way to tax you for your double identity. So dig deep.
Rader

[Beth Wilde]

OK, I've done it... opened a facebook page as me... let's see what happens! Damn thing requires a conventional name though!

You've got one friend request at least Kaz!! :)

[Lesley_Roberta]

All Facebook needs, is a name that will be recognized by friends, and an image they will see and say to themselves, yah that's my friend.

I once used an image of a swiss army knife for my image. Anyone that knows me, knows multi tools is everything about me.

But I learned, your REAL name is likely already being used. My real name is being used by an over the top Christian in Kansas, and a black sheriff in Georgia. And they are both actually women. I mean, dang, I want to be a woman real bad. Seems like I already am in some cases too :)

And you can bet that will mess up any feds looking to spy on you. 'Ok which one of these people is the real one?, Leslie can be all of these people'.

[Brigid]

Maybe the GOV is interested in us. The CIA might recruit a few of us. LOL.

[Foxglove]

Maybe the GOV is interested in us. The CIA might recruit a few of us. LOL.

I've often thought (OK, fantasized) about that. Undercover secret agent, 00 1/2, who can slip in and out of drab and fem as needed. Surely I'd be a valuable resource to any intelligence agency.

Annabelle

[Beth Mays]

big brother already knows all about you, and is trying to
find a way to tax you for your double identity.
Rader

HEY wonder if I can claim Beth as a dependant on my taxes?

[Eryn]

I'm going to start wearing this top whenever I take pictures:

http://shirt.woot.com/shirts/what-me-paranoid

[RADER]

I'm with Karen on this, Who cares, In fact I believe that if the number of CD/TG were really known, men's shirts would come in bright colors with ruffels !

Hay!!! I want one, maybe a yellow or a sky blur one. Make it a 4X please.
Rader

[Alberta_Pat]

If you want to see "facial recognition" software in action, install Googles "Picasa". It will go through your photos and try to identify people.

So far, it has not been able to put both sides of me together.

[Cheryl123]

Not sure we have much to worry about. I put one of my guy close-ups into Google image search. I was matched with a lot of old white dudes (of which I am one). I was also matched to this cute twenty-something Chinese girl modeling "Peach Spring" facial soap. I wish I look like her! Maybe Google was reading my mind. Now that's scary!

[AudreyTN]

nope not concerned. i might have been a year ago before I came out as TG and started transition, but at this point I really don't give a rip.

[NathalieX66]

Fine.
I live life in both genders, I do it.
The United States has become a bureaucratic joke since 2011, with all this airport rigamorole, and I'm more than happy to contribute to it for the specific reason of grinding it down to uselessness.

[susiepaul]

Facebook has been doing this. If you don't believe it, post a pic of yourself looking straight at a camera and post it to one facebook, then take a similar picture while en femme and wait about a month. Not only will Google Images pick it up, but Facebook will as well. Getty Images created the software for in house use (more people steal from Getty than any other photo bank) and has recently started leasing out the software. Google's is based on image algorithms, and I am pretty sure facebook is using Getty's. Take a picture of yourself and drop it into the Google Images search. It may find more than you hoped for.


i just tried it and got no hits with me on them only photos of old bald men and i know i am in the image libary

[Eryn]

I saw an article today about the SceneTap app that is rolling out in various markets. It places cameras at the entrances to bars and other venues which take pictures of everybody entering then uses software that determines the age and gender of the people photographed. The data is then stored on a server where smartphone users can access it to see what the age and gender distribution is at a particular club. This appears to be a variation of the "video sign that only displays information to women" software used in the UK.

Of course, the app promoter swears on a mountain of bibles that they aren't going to misuse the data they are collecting, but we all know how much of a conscience the data-harvesting business has.

http://www.mercurynews.com/food-wine/ci_20667617/app-scans-faces-san-francisco-bar-goer

[Deidre]

i was but i over came my fears and made me a facebook page :)