Face masks successful at blocking facial recognition algorithms

Researchers from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology found that face masks are causing facial recognition algorithms to fail as much as 50% of the time. In a report, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology found that face masks were thwarting even the most advanced facial recognition algorithms. Error rates varied from 5% to 50%, depending on an algorithm's capabilities. The results are troubling for the facial recognition industry which has been scrambling to develop algorithms that can identify people through their eyes and nose alone as people turn to face masks amid the coronavirus pandemic. The masks have caused trouble for facial recognition software prompting tech companies to adapt.