Can masks interfere with facial recognition?

[JHB]

2. Apparently yes, with higher error rate

https://necolebitchie.com/can-facial-recognition-work-with-a-mask/

Can Facial Recognition Work with a Mask? The Truth Behind the Technology

Yes, facial recognition technology can work with a mask, although the accuracy and reliability are significantly reduced compared to unmasked face scans. This capability depends on several factors, including the sophistication of the algorithm, the quality of the camera, and the area of the face that remains visible.
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The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid evolution in facial recognition technology. Suddenly, systems designed to identify full faces were confronted with partially obscured features. Traditional facial recognition relies on analyzing a matrix of data points across the entire face, including the nose, mouth, and chin. Masks effectively block a significant portion of this data, posing a substantial challenge.
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To overcome this hurdle, developers focused on partial facial recognition. These algorithms primarily analyze the visible portions of the face, focusing on the eyes, eyebrows, and the area around the forehead. They also leverage contextual information, such as head shape and hair, to improve accuracy. However, this approach is inherently more complex and prone to errors.
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More on the subject at link