4 States Ban Smiling from Driver License Photos

4 States Ban Smiling from Driver License Photos

Mona Lisa would be right at home in the DMV these days. In an effort to combat identity theft, some motor vehicle departments are banning smiles from driver license photos. It’s all part of new technology being employed that allows officials to compare photos and determine if an ID is fraudulent—but the software only works if the person in the photo isn’t smiling. So “neutral facial expressions” are required at DMVs in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia. “Slight smiles” are okay.

Dull expressions “make the comparison process more accurate,” Karen Chappell, deputy commissioner of the Virginia DMV, told USA Today. A total of 37 motor vehicle agencies now use facial recognition technologies, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. But not all use the same software. Some states are relying on versions that match faces regardless of expressions, which means in places like Pennsylvania, smiles are still welcome.

http://www.allgov.com/ViewNews/4_States_Ban_Smiling_from_Driver_License_Photos_90530

has competition?

Do it often

;)

It's a win-win, being happy and smiling all the time AND fucking up their face-recognition software.

I like it! :P

Two brown skinned males in their 20's ignored posters asking passengers to refrain from smiling at security checkpoints. TSA officials said in a press conference earlier today that the alleged terrorists were attempting to thwart technology that allows security personnel to identify known terrorists. Information on the names of the alleged terrorists and where they are currently being detained will not be released for national security reasons.

Got a link? I'm not finding anything on that but it doesn't surprise me in the least.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/17/washington/17screeners.html?_r=1&hp&ex=1155787200&en=d3b8d1097c2ebeb6&ei=5094&partner=homepage

I thought the sarcasm was obvious.

Sorry about that.


but it turned out effective anyway - sad that the US has come to a place where intelligent people are really just not sure what's awful reality and what's made up.

I fly a lot.

Once, and before 911, I was going through security and perspiring more than usual and was pulled aside, my hands and bags were wiped with pads and these put in a machine.

Weird. And scary.

:thumbsup: