Taylor Swift used facial recognition at a concert to detect stalkers

Creepy and clever.
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
Taylor Swift used facial recognition at a concert to detect stalkers
Taylor Swift's clever and creepy use of tech is used to keep stalkers in check. Credit: Don Arnold/TAS18/Getty Images

While facial recognition is increasingly being used by authorities to keep track of wrongdoers, entertainers have employed the tech as well – to keep track of stalkers.

As per Rolling Stone, at Taylor Swift's Rose Bowl concert in May, a kiosk was set up where it was playing clips of the pop star's rehearsal.

Little did concertgoers know was that a camera was hiding behind the kiosk's screen, where a facial recognition camera was snapping photos and transferring them to a Nashville-based "command post."

The images were then checked with a database of the singer's known list of stalkers, which numbers in the hundreds.

"Everybody who went by would stop and stare at it, and the software would start working," Mike Downing, chief security officer of Oak View Group, told the publication. Downing was there to view the technology in action, as a guest of the company which makes the kiosks.

Although a clever use of the technology, it's still pretty creepy. It also raises questions about whether the images would be stored, or how they would be used in future.

But it's understandable why Swift and her team have gone to such great lengths to keep her most problematic fans in check.

Last week, a fan who broke into her home, showered, and slept in her bed took a plea deal and will serve six months in prison. In September, Swift sought a restraining order against another fan who had sent death threats.

Mashable Image
Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Hinge tests facial recognition scans in these countries
hinge logo on iphone

New Tinder users in the UK will now need to scan their faces
Tinder on app store appearing on iPhone

OpenAI may sell $300 smart speaker with camera — in 2027
Sam Altman speaking at a microphone

AI facial recognition led to a grandma being wrongly jailed
Clearview AI logo

'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG' trailer teases Netflix's concert livestream
Seven male sillouettes in front of the letters "BTS," which in turn is in front of a traditional Korean building.

More in Tech
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!