Textile Privacy Clothing to Thwart Facial Recognition
We are living in the future. I’m still not over internet on flights, and the world has moved on to AI, deep fakes, facial recognition software, and who knows what’s next? Well actually… I do know. This Sunday in Philadelphia, a new functional clothing line will make it’s brick and mortar debut. Cap_able textile privacy clothing.
Just as facial recognition technology is being rolled out at venues and becoming more common, now there is a clothing line being made and sold to stop it. Or at least make the technology more difficult.
Like it or not, facial recognition is here, but it isn’t perfect. The use of facial recognition technology has resulted in inaccuracies, discriminatory practices and other negative outcomes. The technology though, continues to improve. Now, there’s new technology rolling out to fool that technology. If you are wanted by the FBI, against facial recognition, or just want to stay incognito, shop for clothing at Trunc in Northern Liberties. Starting this Sunday, October 15th, the shop will become the first boutique and gift shop in the world to sell the Cap-able collection.
What is Cap_able clothing?
A line of clothing meant to confuse artificial intelligence cameras and stop them from recognizing the wearer. Cap_able’s first project is the Manifesto Collection: the first collection of knitted garments that protect the wearer’s biometric data, without the need to cover the face.
How do I get it?
Until now, the clothing was only available online. Trunc will be the first brick and mortar shop to carry textile privacy clothing pieces from the line for sale. Cap_able clothing will debut at Trunc during a special launch event this Sunday, October 15th at 4:00pm called Textile x Privacy.
Who makes it?
Cap_able is female owned, and this weekend, Cap_able co-founder Rachele Didero will travel from Italy to Philadelphia for this unique event on Sunday.
Where can I buy it?
Trunc in Northern Liberties. 929 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Trunc is Black-owned, vet-owned, LGBT-owned and female-owned. Trunc prides itself on using art for social change and raising up female makers and artisans.
Do you need a ticket for the launch event?
The event is free and open to the public. For more about Trunc and the event, visit www.trunc.net and follow @truncartisans on social media.
How does the technology work?
According to Cap_able, “The technological innovation behind this project lies in the creation of a system capable of transposing images (called adversarial patches) onto a knitted fabric that can be used to deceive people detectors in real time. Basically, by wearing a garment in which an adversarial image is woven, one can protect the biometric data of their face, that either will not be detectable, or will be associated with an incorrect category such as “animal” rather than “person”.”
Did you catch that? The technology will show animals instead. “People who wear Cap_able’s garments are not recognized as such by the software, which instead identifies dogs, zebras, or giraffes within the fabric.”
The Cap_able Mission
Cap_able aims to set an example and be a leader in raising awareness on the importance of one’s rights. To use this project to raise awareness on the right to privacy and the protection of biometric data.
