A recently-launched facial recognition app is being used in Russia to expose porn actresses and sex workers to their families and friends.
Users of Russian site Dvach are now manipulating the face detection software of new app FindFace – which launched back in February – to analyse the images of members of the adult industry, and match it to their profile on the Russian social network, VKontakte.
This knowledge is then being used to approach members of the victim’s family, friends and other social media contacts, spamming them with the news of the individual’s employment.
Those involved in the campaign are also targeting women signed up to Russian site “Intimcity”, which advertises prostitution and escort services.
However, despite the obvious privacy and intrusion concerns of the app, Russian security firm Kaspersky has confirmed that there is nothing illegal about using the platform in this way.
But much like the views of Kaspersky, Perlin has said there was no way to stop people from using the app’s technology is such a way.
Perlin told TJournal: “We make every effort to protect all network users from potential malicious actions and are ready, if necessary, to provide any information needed to find the users responsible for this harassment.”
With regards to the motivation behind the campaign, examples of it being executed suggest that participants have a particular hatred for the adult industry.
Find out more about FindFace here.