Facial Recognition Evades Masks
Viettel AI has been granted a patent for matching face biometrics of people wearing masks
Facial recognition technology has continued to advance, with recent developments allowing it to evade masks and other forms of facial occlusion. Viettel AI has been granted a patent for matching the face biometrics of people who are wearing masks, as reported by Biometric Update. This technology has significant implications for surveillance and tracking, particularly in the context of law enforcement and national security. For instance, ICE has received a contract worth up to $9.2 million in September 2025 for biometrics-related services, which will likely include the use of facial recognition technology, as noted in a report that argues ICE biometrics underpin a broader surveillance network.
The use of facial recognition technology is not limited to law enforcement, however, as it is also being explored for use in mobile phone sign-ups, with South Korea formalizing optional facial recognition for mobile phone activations starting on July 6. This development has raised concerns about privacy and security, particularly in light of recent revelations about the use of NSA secrets via PGP. Meanwhile, researchers are exploring ways to evade facial recognition technology, including the use of graphic hoodies and other clothing with patterns that can confuse or break current facial recognition systems, as discussed on darkreading.com.
The issue of facial recognition and surveillance has also been taken up by the courts, with the SCOTUS recently issuing rulings that limit surveillance and protect phone data. These rulings have significant implications for the use of facial recognition technology and other forms of surveillance, and will likely be closely watched by privacy advocates and law enforcement agencies alike. As the use of facial recognition technology continues to expand, it is likely that concerns about privacy and security will only continue to grow, with many calling for greater regulation and oversight of these technologies.
As I reflect on the current state of facial recognition technology, I firmly believe that its ability to evade masks poses a significant threat to our privacy. My thesis is that the unchecked development of this technology will inevitably lead to a surveillance state where individuals have no control over their personal data. If nothing changes, the winners will be governments and corporations that seek to exploit this technology for their own gain, while the average citizen will be left vulnerable to invasion of their privacy and potential misuse of their personal information.
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Disclosure: NewsAnarchist uses AI-assisted reporting with web search. Always verify primary sources linked above.
This article is produced by NewsAnarchist's AI reporting system, not a human staff reporter. It's built from the primary source cited above (a FOIA release, an agency's own policy or procurement document, court filings from surveillance litigation, or the wire reporting linked in the body) and reports what that source states, attributed to it — it does not allege intent behind a surveillance program beyond what the record shows. Part of our Surveillance State hub. Found an error? Tell us.