What is Facial Comparison?
NIDC’s biometric experts perform facial comparisons
What is facial comparison?
Facial comparison is a forensic discipline where two or more facial images are compared manually to assess whether they show the same person. Facial comparison differs from automatic face recognition where an algorithm is programmed to perform the comparison. Facial comparison is a manual process involving detailed analyses of individual facial features and the dimensions between them.Who can request a facial comparison?
The biometric experts at NIDC perform facial comparisons for authorities both within and outside the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. Requests for facial comparison examinations can come from authorities that, among other things, work with aliens’ entry and exit, residence permits, education, work, and family relations. If there is doubt about a person's identity, it may be necessary for the authorities to clarify the identity by means of facial comparison. The examination is based on internationally recognized methods and procedures, and the result is a forensic statement that can contribute to the requesting authority's assessment of, for example, whether an ID document has been presented by the rightful holder.Types of examination
Depending on the nature of the comparison and any time constraints of the authority, NIDC’s biometric experts have different tools to solve the task. The authorities will be adviced about the further process and whether the examination is best solved by an advanced facial comparison or a screening.For a detailed description of the two types of comparison, se the Expanded Facial Comparison and Screening.