US Department of Homeland Security Admits Facial Recognition Photo Leak to Dark Web

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finally acknowledged a leak of photo materials collected during the testing of its facial recognition system. These photos have surfaced on dark web platforms.

According to reports, the company Perceptics, which was responsible for collecting all the system’s data—including travelers’ facial images, license plate numbers, and insurance information—bears responsibility for the cybersecurity incident.

Initially, the DHS denied any data breach. However, it later became clear that the information had indeed appeared on the dark web. In total, unknown individuals stole 184,000 photographs (PDF), with at least 19 of them subsequently published on the “dark net.”

The leaked images were taken at US border crossings. Cameras capture every face and vehicle crossing the border in an effort to identify criminals or terrorists attempting to enter the United States.

To process this data, the Department of Homeland Security engaged contractors, one of which was Perceptics. Employees of this company handled images of faces and vehicles crossing the US border.

Perceptics is directly responsible for the leak of confidential information to the dark web.