PrivateEye is Watching You

Ever get the feeling you're being watched? I do. But, usually, it's just by the guy in seat 12B flying next to me. Who can blame him? No doubt, the screen on my laptop is far more interesting than the back of 11B, or the in-flight magazine. Bill Anderson, security-expert-turned-CEO, knows that feeling too.

Anderson developed software that uses a computer's camera to track the user's eyes. When the user looks away, the contents of the screen distort to become unreadable by anyone else. According to Anderson, his consumer product, PrivateEye, is also sophisticated enough to recognize the presence of other faces in the background and alert the user.

Anderson is also marketing Chameleon, another product using the same technology, to defense and intelligence agencies. While these agencies clearly have an obvious and immediate need for security, it also makes one wonder how else such technology might be applied.

For instance, web usability experts, like Jakob Nielsen, use specially-equipped computer monitors to analyze how people read web pages, and even view online video. But, Anderson's device is unique in that it relies entirely on software, exploiting equipment already on many, if not most, people's desks.

Imagine how software like this could be used to monitor work productivity, or to infer "interest" as opposed to "action". Such as, the focus of one's attention, compared to the eventual click or keystroke. In an annual review, Human Resources, might note the amount of time an employee spends looking at photos in her cubicle, compared to work on the screen. Meanwhile, similar software could be used as a sort-of "desire detector" for prosecuting sex crimes.

Via SiliconValley.com

About Jeff M. Fischbach

Jeff Michael Fischbach is founder and President of SecondWave Information Systems (SecondWave.com), a consulting firm specializing in Forensic Technology. Since 1994, he has served as a board member and technology adviser to numerous professional organizations and corporations. Mr. Fischbach has been engaged as a litigation consultant and Forensic Examiner, offering expert advice and oversight on matters involving intellectual property, computers, information systems, satellite, tracking and wireless communications technologies. He has advised law enforcement, foreign government representatives, judges, lawyers and the press.