Facial recognition is a technology that identifies or verifies a person by analyzing their facial features. It uses algorithms to compare facial patterns from images or video against a database of known faces, making it useful in various applications such as security, law enforcement, and user authentication. This technology has gained popularity due to its ability to enhance security measures and streamline processes. However, it also raises concerns about privacy and ethical implications, as the use of facial recognition can lead to surveillance and potential misuse of personal data.