# Facial Recognition-Thwarting Glasses The Privacy Visor Keeps the Wearer's Identity Under Wraps By Meghan Young | Published 2013-01-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privacy-visor References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2013/01/researchers-cre-5.php) & [slate](http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2013/01/18/isao_echizen_and_seiichi_gohshi_s_privacy_visor_shields_you_from_facial.html) Since companies and, in particular, airports, have stepped up their security measures, artists, scientists and more have taken it upon themselves to protect the average person; the latest endeavor involves the privacy visor. It is a pair of eyeglasses that thwarts [facial recognition systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facial-recognition-security). The privacy visor is able to do that through embedded near-infrared lights, which when emitted blocks facial recognition in cameras. Developed by Isao Echizen and Seiichi Goshi from the [National Institute of Informatic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-compassionate-care-council) in Tokyo, Japan, the privacy visor may look rather suspicious, thus calling more attention than allowing people to stay under the radar, it is simply a prototype. The two researchers are currently concentrating on improving the glasses to make them more incognito and, hopefully, fashionable. Of course, anything other than lab goggles would be an improvement. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Facial Recognition-spoofing Wearables:** Opportunity for wearables that employ unique technologies to subvert facial recognition systems and preserve privacy. - **Privacy-focused Eyewear:** Opportunity for fashionable and unobtrusive eyewear that uses innovative technology to thwart facial recognition and protect personal privacy. - **Disruptive Home Security Solutions:** Opportunity for companies to develop advanced home security solutions employing facial recognition and other innovative technologies, while finding ways to balance security and privacy. ### Who This Affects Most - **Wearable Technology:** Opportunity for wearable technology companies to innovate new products that preserve user privacy using facial recognition spoofing technology. - **Eyewear:** Opportunity for eyewear companies to develop fashionable and unobtrusive products using innovative technology that protect user identities and preserve privacy. - **Security and Surveillance:** Opportunity for security and surveillance companies to develop advanced products that employ facial recognition and other technologies, while still being conscious of privacy concerns. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eye-Tracking Privacy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privacy-apps.md) - [Privacy-Focused Security Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visio-wifi-camera-concept.md) - [Infrared-Blocking Eyewear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infraredblocking-eyewear.md) - [Group Face Blurring Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blur-faces.md) - [Visual Eyewear Visor Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vision-aid-smart-visor.md) - [Automatic Screen Privacy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyefocus-privacy-app.md) - [IR-Blocking Sleek Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kolari-shades.md) - [Object-Recognizing AI Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-wearable.md) - [Optical Illusion Invisibility Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisibility-shield.md)