In and around Tokyo, face-recognition cameras have started to take photos of passersby at various locations. Supermarket chains, shopping malls and vending machines inside JR East stations all have been using face-recognition software to identify the sex and age of individuals who come within line of sight of their cameras.
That information is then used to determine what product to recommend and which particular ads draw people's attention, or simply to acquire data on what kind of people stop by.
All of that might seem like one more little technological marvel in gadget-loving Japan. However, the use of that visual data must be considered and measures taken to ensure that the right to privacy is maintained.