Biometric technology such as facial recognition is changing how companies ensure security and prevent fraud across many industries, says the 2019 CBInsights report. 

In the US, interest in facial recognition software is surging, according to CB Insights’ patent analysis tool — and several companies are developing the tech for law enforcement applications. Amazon, for example, is selling its facial recognition technology — called Amazon Rekognition — to law enforcement agencies. The service promises “real-time analysis” of video streams, “face-based user verification” and many other features. In 2018, the company filed a patent that explores additional layers of authentication, including asking users to perform certain actions like “smile, blink, or tilt his or her head," says the report. 

Automotive manufacturers are testing facial recognition for driver authentication, which could help cut down on instances of car theft. Ford and Intel have teamed up on a project called Project Mobil, in which a dashboard camera uses facial recognition to identify the primary driver of a vehicle or other authorized drivers by blocking the car from starting if someone other than an authorized driver sits in the driver’s seat.

Energy companies are leveraging facial recognition for security, payments and driver health, too. 

Here are 16 industries that are already using facial recognition to help secure and improve their business practices, products and operations:

  1. LAW ENFORCEMENT
  2. HEALTHCARE
  3. RETAIL
  4. HOSPITALITY
  5. MARKETING & ADVERTISING
  6. BANKING 
  7. EVENTS 
  8. SOCIAL MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT 
  9. AIR TRAVEL 
  10. AUTOMOBILES 
  11. GAMBLING & CASINOS 
  12. VOTING 
  13. EDUCATION 
  14. RIDE-HAILING 
  15. FOOD & BEVERAGE 
  16. CONSUMER ELECTRONICS