FACEPRINT

What Does FACEPRINT Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

A FACEPRINT is a digitally recorded representation of a face.

More Detail...

The term FACEPRINT is a combination of the words "face" and "print." It is a type of BIOMETRIC data, made up of a digitally recorded representation of a person's face, which allows individuals to be identified from the unique characteristics of their facial structure. FACEPRINTS (or "facial recognition systems") are widely used as a security feature on smartphones and other camera-enabled devices. They are also increasingly being used by law enforcement and security agencies to identify and track suspects. (Use of FACPRINTING in this way is controversial. Laws and regulations to control such use have been introduced in many countries and are being considered in others.)

In June 2021, the social media app TikTok changed its terms and conditions in the US, to allow the company to automatically collect users' FACEPRINTS and VOICEPRINTS. TikTok did not specify what it intended to do with the data, raising concerns amongst security experts. However, given that other apps (including Facebook and Instagram) also collect such information, most users are probably not overly concerned.

Image for FACEPRINT

When I write FACEPRINT, I mean this:

"Digitally Recorded Representation of a Face"

Summary of Key Points

"Digitally Recorded Representation of a Face" is, by far, the most common meaning for FACEPRINT when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)