Apple Face ID can help protect Afghan citizens from facial recognition tool falling into Taliban hands

One of the many disturbing developments unfolding in Afghanistan is that U.S. facial and fingerprint recognition devices, as well as databases, have been seized by the Taliban. Apparently, they were left behind during the hasty withdrawal of U.S. troops, leaving coalition personnel at risk of reprisal.

However, the human rights organization argues that there are steps Afghan citizens can take to try to protect themselves, and that Face ID could play a role in this.

What happened 

Intercept yesterday reported on the seizure of a biometric data kit used by U.S. troops in the country:

The Taliban seized U.S. military biometric devices that could help identify Afghans who were helping coalition forces, current and former military officials told Intercept.

The devices, known as HIIDE (Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment), were seized last week during a Taliban offensive, according to a Joint Special Operations Command official and three former U.S. military officials who fear the sensitive data they contain could be used by the Taliban. HIIDE devices contain identifying biometric data, such as iris scans and fingerprints, as well as biographical information, and are used to access large centralized databases [...].

The government appears to be collecting biometric data from Afghans assisting the diplomatic effort, in addition to those working with the military. For example, a recent job advertisement posted by a State Department contractor asked for a biometrics specialist with experience using HIIDE and other similar equipment to help vet personnel and register local Afghans seeking work at U.S. embassies and consulates.

Human Rights First argues that this technology includes facial recognition technology that is very difficult to defeat:

We understand that the Taliban now likely have access to various biometric databases and equipment in Afghanistan, including some left behind by coalition military forces. This technology likely includes access to a database with fingerprints and iris scans, and also includes facial recognition technology. In general, avoiding biometric recognition is very difficult, but there are some things that can be done.

What to do

The text says that the main precaution against general surveillance cameras is to look down, as this reduces the likelihood of a successful match. But it is also recommended to use prosthetic makeup to try to change the real or apparent shape of the face. The article highlights the difficulty of achieving success, but says Face ID can be useful as a basic check to see if your measures have a chance of being effective:

You can check this on an iPhone Face ID, which uses relatively primitive technology. But if you can't fool your smartphone, you probably can't fool the more high-tech facial recognition technology either.

Concerns have previously been raised about the use of U.S. facial recognition devices to create databases of those assisting them because of the risk of those databases being hacked by the Taliban or other enemies. No one seems to have considered the additional risks of such equipment falling into enemy hands.

Source: theintercept, humanrightsfirst

Illustration: sciline