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Russian photo-altering app went viral, sparking concerns about privacy. Prof. Chun Wai Liew shares his expertise in PBS39 interview
If you’re active on social media, you’re likely aware of FaceApp, a photo-altering app that recently became a viral sensation.
Once downloaded, FaceApp uses artificial intelligence technology to make users appear younger, older, more masculine, more feminine, or to change their facial expressions in a selected photograph. The aging filter became particularly popular; celebrities, including the Jonas Brothers, Gordon Ramsey, and Steph Curry, shared images of their futuristic selves on their social platforms.
However, data security experts started raising concerns about the potential risks users exposed themselves to by downloading the app, which is owned by a Russian parent company, Wireless Lab.
PBS39 sought out expert commentary for insight. Chun Wai Liew, associate professor of computer science, who researches artificial intelligence, shared his expertise. His interview is featured as a PBS39 Tech Takeover segment.