Facial recognition software coming to SGI in 2016

The days of fake IDs in Saskatchewan may be short-lived once new technology is introduced at SGI.

SGI announced today it's moving ahead with facial recognition software to help prevent driver'slicence fraud. It's the last provincial licenser in Canada to get this type of software.

The technology, developed by Veridos Canada Inc., works by recognizing landmarks on faces in photos, such as the shape of the eyes, nose or jaw. It also measures distance between the eyes.

Once the software has been used on a particular face, it checks all other photos in the system to make sure there is no identity overlap.

"We're able to store that and compare it against other values in the system," said Cari Donaldson, assistant vice president of licensing with SGI,

There are a few things that can impact the data attributed to a particular person's photo, including substantial weight gain or facial reconstruction surgery. Donaldson said other issues that can affect the accuracy is if someone has lost an eye or had a stroke.

"It can affect that mathematical calculation for sure," Donaldson said.

Preventing identity theft

The technology is mainly used to preventidentity theft, such as multiple photo ID cards from one person being issued to different people.

It also works to make sure people with suspended licences aren't able to get a new one under a false identity. SGI says this will help improve road safety.

We will not be releasing it to any external agencies.- Cari Donaldson, SGI

"It protects the integrity of our ID program, to identify those people who may have multiple IDs," Donaldson said.

All of these processes happen behind the scenes, so customers in front of the counter won't notice a difference unless there is an issue with their card.

Donaldson said the information collected by SGI will be protected.

"We will not be releasing it to any external agencies," said Donaldson, although law enforcement can access some information if they are given court authority.

The new system will start being used in August 2016.