AI Glasses Spark Privacy Debate

Lady wearing smart glasses
Credit: Ray-Ban | Meta | Free use for promotional purposes

Lady wearing smart glasses
Credit: Ray-Ban | Meta | Free use for promotional purposes

I-XRAY AI-powered glasses emerged as an example of how powerful artificial intelligence has come. Developed by AngPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio, I-XRAY can extract personal details like addresses, phone numbers, names and even relatives' information. All this is done just by looking at someone's face.

While this device sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, it highlights growing concerns about privacy. The creators have clarified that this project isn't intended for public release or misuse. Instead, it serves as a demo of how technology evolves and the privacy concerns we face today.

The Motivations Behind I-XRAY

The creators of I-XRAY didn't create this privacy-invading tool for commercial use. It is developed as a side project with only one purpose: exposing the vulnerabilities in current public information systems. Nguyen and Ardayfio built this AI glass to shine a light on how readily available personal information is.

The project doesn't encourage misuse but thought and action. By showing what's possible the creators try raising awareness around the need for better privacy protection in the age of smart glasses, face search engines and AI.

How I-XRAY Works?

I-XRAY AI-powered glasses
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Credit: I-XRAY AI-powered glasses | Free use for promotional purposes

I-XRAY integrates several technologies into a single device. While the mechanics of its working are kept confidential for security reasons the general methodology revolves around face search engines, large language models and public data basis. This combination allows to autonomously collect and cross-reference data creating a detailed profile of a person without any manual intervention.

The most essential component in its functionality is the recent advancement of LLM's. AI systems can analyse large amounts of information from disparate online sources making connections between data points that might otherwise seem unlinked. For example, an LLM can relate a name found in a new article with the first address listed on another website enabling the AI glass to identify someone from a simple facial image.

Protecting Yourself from I-XRAY and Similar Tools

AI robot on phone
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Credit: Aidin Geranrekab on Unsplash | Free use under the Unsplash License

While the existence of I-XRAY highlights potential threats, there are ways to protect yourself. The most effective one is removing your information from databases and tools that feed systems like I-XRAY. Reverse face search engines like PimEyes and Facecheck.id offer services to remove your images from their platforms. Additionally, people search engines like FastPeopleSearch and Instant Checkmate, also provide options to opt out of their data collections.

Another step towards protecting yourself is via freezing your credit to safeguard against identity theft. Adding two-factor authentication to important logins can secure personal data reducing the risks posed by leaked Social Security Numbers or other sensitive information.

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