Researchers at MSU have been working to develop FarSight, a computer vision system that can identify individuals from 1,000 meters away. This technology is the result of 18 months of research in collaboration with the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), a federal organization that focuses on developing solutions for technological challenges faced by US intelligence agencies. The goal of the FarSight project is to address the limitations of current facial recognition systems, such as low resolution and severe viewing angles, by utilizing a whole-body approach to identification. In addition, the software tackles atmospheric turbulence to ensure accurate identification.
The BRIAR program, managed by Lars Ericson, provided a $12 million grant to MSU’s research team to continue the development of FarSight. The program was created because existing sensors used by the intelligence community were not well-suited for facial recognition. The software that will be derived from this research is intended for use in counterterrorism, military force protection, and border security. However, as a research agency, IARPA does not determine the exact applications of its technology. There are concerns about the domestic use of surveillance equipment and the potential infringement on civil liberties, as it can be difficult to regulate law enforcement applications of such technologies.
While the potential applications of FarSight are not articulated by the project sponsors, Xiaoming Liu, the project lead, believes that the technology itself is neutral and its use depends on how people choose to utilize it. As a scientist, Liu focuses on enabling the possibilities of the technology rather than dictating its applications. However, the secretive nature of the US intelligence community makes it challenging for civilians and elected officials to monitor the use of technologies like FarSight effectively. Skepticism towards new surveillance technology and the need for constraints on their usage is necessary to protect civil liberties.
