Facial Recognition Goes Mainstream

CaliBurger is one example of how facial recognition is beginning to make its way out of the realm of security applications--such as searching for bad guys or unlocking our phones--and into bricks-and-mortar retail and other areas of real-world commerce. Entertainment venues want to speed customers through the gate by scanning their faces. Airlines are looking to smooth out passengers' travel by letting them check bags and do other tasks by taking a selfie. Retailers want to send a salesperson over to help customers if a camera reads their expression and suggests they look annoyed. But the technology faces a big hurdle: consumer concerns.