Japan’s NEC Corporation has introduced a new facial recognition system that identifies people even when they are wearing masks.

As per reports, the technology firm had already been working on a system to meet the needs of allergy sufferers who wear masks — a common practice in Japan — when the Covid-19 pandemic prompted it to accelerate development.

The system determines when a person is wearing a mask and hones in on the parts that are not covered up, such as the eyes and surrounding areas, to verify the person’s identity. Users register a photo of their face in advance.

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NEC says verification takes less than one second and claims an accuracy rate of more than 99.9pc.