How facial recognition failures harm people with facial differences

Researchers at Northumbria University's Centre for Responsible AI are working with Face Equality International (FEI) on research into how failures of facial recognition technology ('FRT') are harming people with facial differences, and are inviting community members to share their experiences.

The team at Northumbria University will listen to the experiences of the global facial difference community using this tech. By enabling the community to record their experiences through online diary entries, researchers will explore the full impact of these failures on the lives of everyone affected. This understanding will inform the creation of a community reporting tool - owned and run by the facial difference community - to collect, connect and challenge the ongoing barrier of tech failures.

Community members can join the study via a dedicated weblink: https://fei.ccai.org.uk/en/

Dr Reem Talhouk, Associate Professor in Visual Communication and Digital Cultures, at Northumbria University says: "At Northumbria University's Centre for Responsible AI, we are proud to work with Face Equality International to better understand how AI technologies impact people with facial differences.

"These insights will help us collaborate with designers, developers and organisations to reduce harms and exclusions, while ensuring the experiences of the facial difference community are centred in the design, development, and regulation of FRTs.

"We are also delighted to welcome Melanie Grimsley to our UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence to further advance this work through their PhD research."

FRT is fast becoming a daily necessity for many people. Whether accessing banking apps, going through passport control or even just going shopping, many people interact with FRT in their everyday lives - whether they know it or not. Face Equality International is shining a light on the difficulties experienced by the facial difference community when the tech doesn't work properly.

 

FEI's 2024 survey found that 58% of respondents with a facial difference had had trouble getting recognised by passport e-gates at border control, 46% had struggled with secure apps (such as those used by banks) which use FRT, and 38% had difficulties using their face to unlock their phone.

Dr Hannah Saunders, Head of Policy and Education at FEI, adds: "We know of people who have struggled to apply for jobs, to use a government system, and to access their own money because the tech won't work for their face. This urgently needs to change and this research is an amazing opportunity to help do that. We hope that many community members will take part."

About the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence

Northumbria was named as one of 12 UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence, with up to £9 million of funding. The Centre is training over 60 PhD researchers over eight years to develop AI applications and services that serve citizens as well as governments and businesses. Its researchers are trained to place citizens at the centre of the design and development of AI.

About Northumbria's Centre for Responsible AI

Launched in 2025, the Centre brings together academics, policymakers, government and industry experts to advance AI education, research and policy, so that no one is left behind in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Its focus areas include citizen-centred AI, AI in law enforcement, public sector governance and digital education.