EVIL UNMASKED
Revolutionary facial recognition tech can work even through masks and burkas
ANTI-TERROR teams are getting facial recognition equipment which can track suspects in the dark – and even behind masks.
Heat-monitoring kit will spot face patterns to allow British spooks to positively identify targets day or night.
The move will also be a game-changer on the battlefield by allowing special forces snipers to see targets up to a mile away in total darkness.
It is understood the new equipment is so sensitive that even burka-clad Samantha Lewthwaite, the so-called White Widow, could be identified using the new tech.
The 36-year-old mum, from Aylesbury, Bucks, is the daughter of a former British soldier and was married to terrorist Germaine Lindsay, 19.
He was one of the 7/7 bombers who killed 52 London commuters on the morning of July 7, 2005.
Lewthwaite is believed to be responsible for a series of international terrorist attacks. A British military source said: “This is a major development for any organisation involved in the hunt for terrorists.
SENSITIVE
“Suspects can now be identified at night and from long ranges.
“We understand the technology is so sensitive it can provide a positive ID of someone wearing a mask. That is revolutionary. It’s straight out of a James Bond movie.”
The technology uses artificial intelligence and infrared cameras to identify facial patterns by using the heat signatures from skin tissue.
Once an infrared image is taken, the thermal technology will automatically cross-reference it against biometric face gallery databases and watch lists.
Within seconds, the operator will get a message if a match between a known
Vellum covered cabinet cost fortune
The Foreign Office has blown thousands of pounds decking out an ambassador’s digs with plush designer furniture – to “advance british interests around the world”.
Figures seen by the Sunday Mirror show the Government splashed out £5,873 on furniture from trendy interiors firm
Julian Chichester to decorate the home last year.
The bulk of the cost was for a luxury Diego cabinet, with doors covered in vellum – the same animal skin that Acts of Parliament are printed on.
The Julian
Chichester website says the item “plays with both form and a juxtaposition of materials with stunning results”.
The cash was also used to buy a Carlo side table, described as an “eccentric and oversized curvy coated bronze side table with a chunky top”.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office insisted that the department “regularly uses Ambassadors’ terrorist and suspect has been made. The research is being conducted by US and British military scientists at the US Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory just outside Washington.
Dr Sean Hu – US Army Research Laboratory Intelligent Perception Branch team lead – said the new equipment will allow soldiers to make quicker, safer and more intelligent decisions on the battlefield.
He added: “Under night-time and lowlight conditions, there isn’t enough light to capture facial imagery without using artificial lighting, without compromising a soldier’s safety or giving up their location to potential enemies.
“We’re trying to help soldiers identify individuals of interest to aid both tactical and strategic operations.”
At the moment the technology is 90 per cent accurate but scientists believe they can improve on that figure. residences to advance british interests around the world by hosting political and business leaders”.
Duncan Simpson, research director at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Splashing cash on a swanky sideboard and table won’t sit well with taxpayers. “Advancing british interests is one thing, but spending thousands on two pieces of furniture is a waste.
“The Foreign Office should consider cheaper alternatives rather than surrounding themselves with luxury items.”
The FCO said: “When furnishing residences, we always aim to secure the best possible value and showcase worldclass products made in the UK.”
Last year the Sunday Mirror told how the Foreign Office had footed school bills averaging £23,480 per child for 172 of its staff – even though the families were UK-based.
And in 2018 the Foreign Office racked up a bill for business class air fares totalling £17.8million, while £5.9million went on cabs.