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In a few seconds, a simple photo can betray a precise location, without the need for the slightest metadata. This technological feat, exploited for legitimate purposes such as criminal surveys, can prove to be a particularly useful tool in the hands of the police and in contrast, also raises major concerns in the area of privacy, especially for any other Uses.
Developed by Graylark Technologies, Geospy, analyzes the visual elements of a photo to deduce location with unprecedented precision. Its algorithm can detect architectural patterns, vegetation and surrounding topography. Based on deep neural networks, it reaches precision of a few meters in urban areas.
Technologies similar to GEOSPY have been used in criminal surveys and fraud. For example, visual recognition AI tools have made it possible to identify specific places by overlapping visual clues such as reflections, textures or architectural elements. Certain police forces and institutions, notably Interpol, explore these technologies to identify places from suspicious images.
A threat to privacy
But what makes Geospy’s strength are also his main danger. Doxxing and targeted surveillance cases have shown how image recognition technologies can be used to locate individuals from simple photos published online. Journalists, activists and celebrities have already been victims of digital tracking by individuals, not always well -intentioned, exploiting these tools.
Limited access, but persistent worries
Faced with growing abuses, Graylark Technologies has decided to restrict public access to Geospy. The tool, formerly freely accessible online, is now reserved for police and accredited professionals. To use it, you now need an invitation and prove its affiliation to an administration or a judicial institution.
