Last month, Apple introduced a new flagship phone which uses facial recognition systems to unlock devices and we became increasingly concerned about how it would affect our privacy and increase the possibility of hacking incidents.
However, we've just learned that Facebook has now decided to use similar technology to help users access their accounts.
TechCrunch reports the social media platform is trialling facial recognition technology which asks users to look into their device's camera so it can work out whether to grant access by comparing your face to pictures and videos you've been tagged in.
'To recognise whether you're in a photo or video our system compares it with your profile picture, and photos and videos that you're tagged in,' reads a screenshot from the Face Recognition section in Facebook's Settings, posted on Twitter by Matt Navarra from The Next Web.
'This lets us know when you're in other photos and videos so we can create better experience,' he added.
While the concept of Facebook using facial recognition might be slightly creepy, it's important to remember that the website has been using the technology for years in order to help users tag friends in photos by scanning previous uploads to check for matches.
Currently, Facebook uses two-factor authentication checks - a text message or email - to help users retrieve passwords or recover accounts.
However, the new technology would enable users to access their accounts in remote areas where text messages might not be accessible, or if they've lost access to their email accounts.
The feature is still in the trial stages and is only available to a select group of users. But, if found to be successful, the feature could roll out to the masses.
First Apple, then Facebook, are Instagram and WhatsApp next?
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
