noRecognition Debuts 2009 Yaris Wrap to Thwart Flock AI Plate Readers
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Aug 21
noRecognition Debuts 2009 Yaris Wrap to Thwart Flock AI Plate Readers
1 articles · Updated · Mashable · Aug 21
Summary
A 2009 Toyota Yaris wrapped in blue-and-yellow adversarial patterns was unveiled by noRecognition at the Aug. 6 Def Con conference as a proof of concept against AI surveillance.
Bill Swearingen’s startup says the computer-generated designs are meant to confuse Flock’s automatic license plate readers and other computer-vision systems rather than make vehicles physically invisible.
11 open-source detection algorithms were used to stress-test the patterns, Swearingen said, including software tied to Flock cameras and Axon body-camera systems.
The car wrap extends noRecognition’s limited-run anti-AI clothing line as U.S. communities push back on expanding camera networks that collect license-plate data and personal movement records.
Adversarial designs have been used before in protest makeup and clothing, but their effectiveness remains uneven because patterns must be tuned to specific models while detection systems keep improving.