KGUN 9NewsNational News

Actions

People are seen on cameras 75 times a day: Are there ways to be less visible?

Light reflecting gear may help with less exposure
Posted at 3:01 PM, Nov 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-10 08:49:42-05

CHICAGO, Illinois — People are caught on camera an average of 75 times a day.

But there is now some new technology hitting the market that can hide a person's face from some of those.

"Baby Driver" is the latest Hollywood movie to use crazy fashionable technology to commit crimes like robbing banks. The truth is they may not be that far off.

 Scott Urban, the creator of Reflectacles, says his product helps bounce light back directly to where it came from.

“One of my past clients came up to me and asked me to make him a pair of reflective glasses," Urban said.

The glasses don't make a person invisible, but can throw off security cameras. One of his biggest concerns is privacy.

“You know if you have this concept that you're being filmed and recorded and listened to everywhere you go, you might limit your own personal freedoms," he said.

The glasses reflect light into the camera creating a blown out glow.

Our reporter found the glasses work really well when it's dark, but in broad sunlight, not so much.

Scott's gear got him in a bit of trouble at the neighborhood bar he goes to often. They asked him to take off his glasses. 

Katrina Arthur, the manager and fourth generation's family owner of Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern, said, “We want to be sure if anything were to happen and go back and look at our security tapes and be able to identify anybody who may have caused an incident."

Our reporters also found reflective glasses aren't the only option out there. The ISHU cloak is made by entrepreneur Saif Siddiqui, who feels strongly about privacy as well.

“It's just the option of going invisible," Siddiqui said.

He sells anti-paparazzi gear. Siddiqui's clothing does nearly the same thing as the glasses — gives back some privacy.

“I find it important to give people the option to not be seen," he said.

But these option may be short-lived. Security companies are taking notice of this new technology and working to stay ahead of it.

“There are ways to make cameras that can see everybody's face, and I suppose it can be a cat and mouse game or I invest in better and better technology to hide my face."

Keith Jentoft, is a video surveillance expert with more than 20 years in the business. He believes this type of tech actually does the opposite of what's intended because it sticks out.

"You're going to be calling yourself out and calling attention to yourself. If you're spending a lot of money to be private, people want to know why," Jentoft said.

Scott Urban knows his gear isn't for everyone but says there's something bigger to consider.

“Is it ok for you to tell me that my face must be recorded and analyzed everywhere I go?" Urban said.

Prices start around 80 bucks.