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The primary users of facial recognition software like FaceIt have been law enforcement agencies, which use the system to capture random faces in crowds. These faces are compared to a database of criminal mug shots. In addition to law enforcement and security surveillance, facial recognition software has several other uses, including:

Eliminating voter fraud
Check-cashing identity verification
Computer security
One of the most innovative uses of facial recognition is being employed by the Mexican government, which is using the technology to weed out duplicate voter registrations. To sway an election, people will register several times under different names so they can vote more than once. Conventional methods have not been very successful at catching these people.

Using the facial recognition technology, officials can search through facial images in the voter database for duplicates at the time of registration. New images are compared to the records already on file to catch those who attempt to register under aliases. The technology was used in the country's 2000 presidential election and is expected to be used in local elections soon.

Potential applications even include ATM and check-cashing security. The software is able to quickly verify a customer's face. After the user consents, the ATM or check-cashing kiosk captures a digital photo of the customer. The FaceIt software then generates a faceprint of the photograph to protect customers against identity theft and fraudulent transactions. By using facial recognition software, there's no need for a picture ID, bank card or personal identification number (PIN) to verify a customer's identity.

Photo courtesy Visionics
Many people who don't use banks use check cashing machines. Facial recognition could eliminate possible criminal activity.

This biometric technology could also be used to secure your computer files. By mounting a Webcam to your computer and installing the facial recognition software, your face can become the password you use to get into your computer. IBM has incorporated the technology into a screensaver for its A,T and X series Thinkpad laptops.

Photo courtesy Visionics
Facial recognition software can be used to lock your computer.

While facial recognition can be used to protect your private information, it can just as easily be used to invade your privacy by taking you picture when you are entirely unaware of the camera. As with many developing technologies, the incredible potential of facial recognition comes with drawbacks.