Corsight AI undergoes AI testing service with British Standards Institution

This independent verification demonstrates that Corsight’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and datasets are performing as reported, enabling users and stakeholders alike to trust the safety and security of its products.

Ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability is vital when using AI-based facial recognition technologies. This is to verify that the systems are not influenced by ‘AI bias’ and that they possess robustness against ‘unknown data’, thereby helping to ensure the reliability, transparency and ethical alignment of AI systems.

Use of AI-powered facial recognition tools is increasingly common, including for security purposes such as major sporting events and to curb shoplifting. Facial recognition technology, of course, maps an individual’s physical features in an image to form a face template, which can then be compared against other images stored within a database to either verify a high level of likeness or identify an individual’s presence at a specific location at a given time. Its proliferation has prompted concerns about safe and ethical use, including around error rates linked to racial or gender differences.

Performance metrics 

Following a rigorous, independent and impartial assessment of Corsight’s Face Intelligence Software AI tool, the organisation has received confirmation from the BSI of its AI performance metrics relating to biometric identification.

The BSI’s AA&DT is a independent and impartial assessment of AI algorithms, models and the datasets used to train them by experienced technical and regulatory AI experts. The service verifies the accurate reporting of AI performance metrics describing robustness, bias, classification performance and semantic segmentation.

This service is substantiated by international AI standards including Bias in AI systems and AI-aided decision making (ISO 24027), Robustness for Neural Networks ISO (ISO 24029-1), the Assessment of Machine Learning Part 1 (ISO 4213), Information Technology and Medical Image-Based Modelling for 3D Printing – Segmentation (ISO 3532-2).

Invaluable tool

Tim McGarr, AI market development lead at the BSI, commented: “Facial recognition technology is an invaluable tool that’s increasingly being used across society due to the benefits it can bring, including enhanced consumer experience, improved service levels and greater accuracy. However, in order to realise its potential, it’s vital to build trust that this AI-powered tool is being used safely and ethically.”

McGarr continued: “As organisations embrace the potential of AI, the BSI’s AA&DT is designed to support this process by helping to establish confidence in AI-enabled products, services or systems and build a future wherein AI systems are trusted partners, contributing to the betterment of society. We’re delighted to see Corsight AI become the first biometric company globally to be verified by the BSI, helping its users and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards a safe, secure and trusted digital future.”

Trust through transparency

Tony Porter OBE QPM, chief privacy officer at Corsight AI and the former UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner, responded: “At Corsight AI, we believe that trust in AI must be earned through transparency, accountability and rigorous external scrutiny. Our partnership with the BSI has led us to become the first biometric company to undergo its AA&DT service. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of performance, ethics and reliability at all times.”

Porter concluded: “Achieving this milestone not only validates our technology, but also sets a new benchmark for responsible AI in facial recognition. Corsight AI delivers its facial intelligence platform to law enforcement agencies worldwide, including across the UK. As a result, we’ve undergone rigorous independent assessments to ensure the operational effectiveness and public trust that’s absolutely essential for this sensitive domain.”

*Further information is available online at www.bsigroup.com and www.corsight.ai