PRINIA XR

The PRINIA-XR project is focused on developing privacy-preserving facial recognition technology specifically designed for use in Extended Reality (XR) environments. XR, which includes technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is rapidly expanding and introduces unique privacy challenges due to the immersive and data-intensive nature of these environments. In XR, data is often collected through head-mounted displays (HMDs) equipped with cameras and sensors, which constantly monitor and interact with users. This continuous data collection raises significant concerns about user privacy, as it can involve intrusive tracking and monitoring.

The core objective of PRINIA-XR is to create a facial recognition module that can operate within these XR spaces while ensuring the privacy and protection of individuals’ personal data. The module aims to implement facial recognition for various scenarios, such as individual identification, HMD user identification, and group categorization, all while complying with strict privacy regulations and guidelines, including those set by the European Union (EU). The EU has enacted comprehensive laws to protect privacy and personal data, and PRINIA-XR aligns with these regulations to ensure that facial recognition is implemented in a way that does not compromise individual rights.

A major challenge addressed by the project is the need to balance the benefits of facial recognition—such as providing personalized experiences and improving interaction within XR environments—with the protection of sensitive information. This challenge is especially critical in XR, where the immersive nature of the technology can amplify the risks to user privacy. To overcome these challenges, PRINIA-XR will integrate privacy-enhancing technologies, ensuring that users’ personal data is safeguarded and that facial recognition is conducted in a manner that is both secure and ethical.

PRINIA-XR’s module will be fully autonomous, meaning it can operate without constant human oversight, and it will be compatible with the SERMAS Technology Framework, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. By addressing these concerns, the PRINIA-XR project aims to foster trust in XR technologies, ensuring that privacy is respected while advancing the capabilities of facial recognition in this evolving field.