How to Block Facial Recognition Cameras (IRL Tested!)

[bucolic_frolic]

In this video, I explain how facial recognition systems work and share real-world test results on how to block them using infrared (IR) blocking glasses and reflective materials. From retail stores to vehicles and concerts, surveillance is everywhere—and facial recognition is often used without your knowledge or consent.

I’ll walk you through the technology, explain how IR cameras see through sunglasses, and share what actually works to block facial recognition, including budget-friendly Amazon options and Reflectacles IR glasses.

This is part one of a short series on protecting your privacy from facial recognition.

[UpInArms]

1. Thank you for posting

Good to know

[Auggie]

2. That's a significant investment to hide your eyes

I guess it’s worth it to someone that really needs to hide their identity, especially for nefarious reasons.

[UpInArms]

3. I had not realized that going shopping was such an intrusive experience

Last edited Fri Jun 20, 2025, 03:51 PM - Edit history (1)

Those stores can take their spyware and shove it

[GB_RN]

6. Yeah...

This is done under the guise of giving you personalized assistance, based on what you stop and look at. If you’ve seen the movie Minority Report, there was a scene, after Tom Cruise’s character had his eyes replaced (to avoid retinal scan recognition). He’s stopped in The Gap or something, and he starts getting clothing suggestions under the name of the guy whose eyes Cruise now has. Kinda funny. But scary at the same time.

I don’t want that kind of assistance, nor do I want stores knowing more about me than they already do.

[Martin68]

7. $13 is a significant investment?

[Auggie]

12. The recommended purchase was $88.00 for IR Light Lenses

Reviewer suggested the $13 Pyramex IR Safety Glasses were too dark to be of use in retail environments.

[Martin68]

17. How much is your privacy worth?

[jmbar2]

4. Pretty interesting...

I was wondering how facial recognition would work for women wearing niqabs.

Sounds like the technology is advanced enough to identify the goons who are kidnapping people off the street.

[erronis]

8. Problem being that the goons are part of the apparatus that is doing the tracking.

You may be able to get a fairly decent facial scan (probably not through a baclava, etc.) but you have to be part of the "network" to try to match those characteristics to the millions of images. This access is available to the oligarchs and the current corrupt regime but would probably not be very accessible to you...

[bif]

10. I'd rather eat baklava than wear it on my head!

[erronis]

11. Thanks! But I'll bet a sticky pastry will jam the sensors also.

[bif]

14. Now a balaclava might work!

[erronis]

15. I actually did understand the errors of my way earlier. Just trying to ham it up.

[bif]

16. That's what I figured!

[orangecrush]

5. K&R

[erronis]

9. Wonder if IR "dazzlers" around the face might be an option.

Simple glow-in-the-dark tubes that emit IR instead of visible wavelengths. Seems that these would overwhelm the cameras' optics (and might get you unwanted attention by the warlords.)

A little own research: This term is not new but is usually used as a focused beam in military operations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazzler_(weapon)
https://publicsurveillance.com/papers/Right-to-hide.pdf
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-cots-vs-mot-how-protestors-are-using-easy-technologies-to-disrupt-surveillance-equipment-and-avoiding-police-1769372/

[Auggie]

13. This facial shield is a better value -- they'll work with prescription eyewear

It's called Lens Shade. From Reflectacles.


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