The New Frontier for Big Data - An Algorithm of Feelings

"Micro-expressions” are those flashes of honest feeling that appear on your face before you can control them. Now software companies are compiling databases with thousands of “micro-expressions” for use in commercial marketing—and potentially for intelligence work. Do they constitute invasions of privacy?

Americans know their cell phone calls are recorded and catalogued while their online searches are being tracked, bought and sold. Now there’s an algorithm for recognizing facial expressions. Elizabeth Dwoskin covers innovation and privacy in the world of big data. She’s written abour “micro-expressions” for the Wall Street Journal.