Biometric Tech Arrives on SimpliSafe Platform

SimpliSafe is taking an innovative approach to home security, blending AI and facial recognition with human oversight.

A new feature in the security platform allows SimpliSafe’s human agents to access a live feed from outdoor cameras when the system is armed, a person is detected, and AI and facial recognition technology identify the person as a likely stranger. It’s a proactive approach that aims to prevent break-ins more effectively than traditional alarm systems, which only activate after a breach.

If an unrecognized individual is detected, agents can intervene by interacting with the person, activating alarms, or contacting emergency services. The homeowner is also notified through the SimpliSafe app.

SimpliSafe had previously introduced a similar feature for indoor surveillance cameras, and is now extending it to a user’s home perimeter, and introducing biometric capabilities. The indoor version relied on motion and person detection, but couldn’t actually recognize faces. The new system for outdoor cameras will look out for recognized individuals, and will go on alert only in cases where it doesn’t recognize someone.

SimpliSafe is an American home security company founded in 2006 by Chad and Eleanor Laurans. The story goes that the Laurans, unable to find an affordable and easy-to-install home security system, decided to create their own. SimpliSafe gained prominence for offering do-it-yourself security systems that homeowners could install without the need for professional help, challenging the traditional home security market dominated by companies that required professional installation and long-term contracts.

That DIY approach now has some pretty advanced technological features, as illustrated by the introduction of facial recognition capabilities. With that comes a new concern about privacy and data security. SimpliSafe says all of its video recordings are securely encrypted and cannot be accessed by its security agents once an ‘event’ has been investigated and resolved.

The new outdoor security feature is currently available through SimpliSafe’s Early Access Program, and the company says it will be extended to all customers later this year.

Source: The Verge

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April 23, 2024 – by Alex Perala