In-flight surveillance could foil terrorists in the sky
[Quote:]
A prototype European system uses multiple cameras and “Big Brother” software to try and automatically detect terrorists or other dangers caused by passengers.
The European Union’s Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment (SAFEE) project uses a camera in every passenger’s seat, with six wide-angle cameras to survey the aisles. Software then analyses the footage to detect developing terrorist activity or “air-rage” incidents, by tracking passengers’ facial expressions.
The system performed well in tests this January that simulated terrorist and unruly passenger behaviour scenarios in a fake Airbus A380 fuselage, say the researchers that built it.
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Ferryman admits that his system will require thousands of tests on everyday passengers before it can be declared reliable at detecting threats.
Ehm, no - sorry, it will require thousands of tests on real terrorists as well before it can be declared reliable at detecting threats. You need to take both false positives and false negatives into account. Which means it will never work, but it will sure be a handy tool to give manufacturers of the system billions of euros income, and it will be loved by all security goons… “the camera says you’re a terrorist!”
And don’t you love how it assumes terrorists wouldn’t ever be calm or completely resigned to their fate?
I just wish the ‘nice security folks’ would go back to their old jobs. they were certainly skilled enough to inquire if I needed any fries with my order and I was happy with their overall service. Why did we need to change that?
May 31st, 2008 at 12:47
And what happens when the terrorists use BOTOX to immobilize their facial muscles thus not having any expression?