Real-World Masked Face (口罩人脸数据集) dataset

Real-World Masked Face Dataset is a dataset of photographs of over 5,000 masked faces of 525 people developed by researchers at Wuhan University. 

In an accompanying research paper, the researchers say the project is to help identify individuals wearing face masks as a means of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Risks and harms 🛑

The Real-World Masked Face Dataset is seen to raise privacy and consent issues by collecting images of people wearing masks without their knowledge or permission, potentially enabling facial recognition technology that could be used for unauthorised surveillance or identification even when individuals attempt to maintain anonymity.

Transparency and accountability 🙈

The Real-World Masked Face (口罩人脸数据集) dataset has been criticised for poor transparency and accountability. 

• Data selection. The researchers say the images are of 'public figures' gathered 'from massive internet resources.' The researchers refused to discuss how they chose the people added to the dataset, or whether or not this may impact their privacy.

Research, advocacy 🧮

• Li X. (2022). Masked Face Detection and Calibration with Deep Learning Models (pdf)

• Alturki R., Alharbi M., Ftoon AlAnzi F., Albahl S. (2022). Deep learning techniques for detecting and recognizing face masks: A survey

• Khan J.Y., Al Alamin M.A. (2021). A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Approaches for Automated Face Mask Detection During COVID-19

• Teboulbi S. et al (2021). Real-Time Implementation of AI-Based Face Mask Detection and Social Distancing Measuring System for COVID-19 Prevention

• Cabani A. et al (2021). MaskedFace-Net – A dataset of correctly/incorrectly masked face images in the context of COVID-19

• Sharma V., Gangaraju S., Sharma V.K. (2021). Masked Face Recognition (pdf)

News, commentary, analysis 🗞️

• https://www.cnet.com/news/privacy/your-face-mask-selfies-could-be-training-the-next-facial-recognition-tool/

• https://www.xataka.com/privacidad/como-usar-reconocimiento-facial-mascarilla-cuando-algoritmos-se-adaptan-a-nueva-normalidad