While it might be tempting to reduce face recognition to an inevitable Orwellian nightmare, its benefits cannot be realized unless we educate ourselves about how the technology really works, separate fact from fiction, and pass common sense regulation that set guidelines for use. Here are five popular misconceptions about face recognition and privacy to help set the record straight on this powerful, emerging technology.

Facial recognition systems are an excellent way to improve security and enable touchless access control in buildings and facilities in this new world of social distancing. As experts increasingly recommend face masks to limit the spread of COVID-19, it’s natural to question how this might effect the performance of facial recognition algorithms.