Launch HN: D-ID (YC S17) – Protecting Identities from Face Recognition Tech
We are D-ID (http://d-id.com/), part of the YC S17 batch. We protect people's identities by processing face images in a way that denies automated face recognition, while keeping them similar to the human eye. We’ve just launched on TechCrunch and signed our first pilot, so here’s some info about us.
With the advancements of face recognition technologies (both in accuracy and growing use), the data in face images must be protected, because unlike passwords, you cannot change your face.
We came upon this idea after experiencing it as a personal pain at first, while serving in the military where we were not allowed to post to social media for reasons of information security, later to realize that it has become a worldwide issue where we’re all losing our basic right to privacy.
At first it was meant to be a B2C product, but we then understood that businesses are in greater need due to their responsibility in handling personal data of their clients and/or employees.
Since we use image manipulation techniques, it's clear that if all goes well it will probably start an arms race with face recognition algorithms. Would love to hear your ideas as to how to win in this battle :)
Our approach helps companies which handle images (cloud storage or even just profile pictures of their employees/users) to comply with privacy regulations, such as the GDPR (an EU regulation, nearly worldwide in its scope, which addresses face images as Sensitive Personal Data).
This gives companies a way to keep using images but without the responsibility of protecting the sensitive data they carry, helping them build their brand reputation for caring about the privacy of their clients/employees. We also enable security agencies and governments to protect their citizens and employees.
We’d love to hear feedback from the HN community! And we'll be glad of course to answer any questions you may have.