Tuesday, May 26, 2009

“Photo Ops”

Four states using face recognition software at the DMV are prohibiting smiles in driver’s license photos. Interestingly, due to the long lines, high fees, and surly staff, it doesn’t seem to be a problem.

These DMV’s require that everyone stay in orderly lines, conform to all state policies, and then maintain the same, neutral, emotionless expression as everyone else. Ironically, the face recognition programming is meant to prevent stripping away a person’s identity.

So far, drivers subjected to this rule do not look happy.

A few states have DMV auto-check in and easy processing. To keep their motorists from smiling, right before they take their picture, they make them watch Rules of Engagement.

States that do allow licensees to smile do so, they say, so that they can tell the difference between the customers in the building and the employees.