Teamwire introduces function for image blur

The anonymization of data in regulated industries and sectors with high security standards is one of the most important requirement features. This also applies to the exchange of data, including images. To maintain neutrality, Teamwire introduces an additional image processing function, the so-called blur effect, which can make faces unrecognizable.

Teamwire, Oct 18 2020
Secure handling of images 

Teamwire stands for an intuitive user interface that combines all known standard messaging functions. A widespread function from the consumer world, but one that also has many use cases in enterprises, regulated industries and public authorities, is the exchange of photos and image files. The typical process involves connecting directly to the camera and the photo album on the smartphone, taking or selecting photos, superficially editing the image, and finally sharing the taken photo with a contact or group of contacts – all directly, quickly and easily in one app.

 

Teamwire stays true to this sequence. For a business messaging app, however, it’s important to comply with all security and privacy regulations to ensure secure file sharing, storage and sharing of information. In Teamwire, images are captured via a dedicated camera function and stored in a secure media library, not in a personal photo album. From the photo library, pictures can then be encrypted and securely shared with other team users. Storage in external applications or photo albums can be activated for users, but is subject to the control of the central IT administration. These dedicated security settings can be customized via the Teamwire dashboard, the administration portal for IT administrators.

 

A blur effect for anonymizing screens

In addition to the safe shooting, sharing and archiving of images, Teamwire extends the security standards with the new image editing tool, the Blur effect. With the Blur effect, a blur tool, faces or other parts of the image can be made unrecognizable and anonymized. The Blur function is equipped with both automatic face recognition and manual blur of specific areas of the image.

 

The Blur effect can be helpful in the following scenarios, among others:

 

#1 Making name, address and text sections unrecognizable

 

Example 1: A photographed data sheet – personnel and/or patient file, invoice, contract, etc. – is to be shared via a chat. To make the data anonymous, name, address and partial text areas can be made unrecognizable by manual wiping.

 

Example 2: The x-ray image of a person is photographed in order to discuss it directly with another expert. Before the image can be split, the name on the X-ray image must be made unrecognizable.

 

Example 3: License plates or personal data on photographs must be removed, because only selected areas should be transferred directly to an information system or a file. For example, the identity card is photographed for fast processing, but not all information on the card may be split, so that certain information must be concealed.

 

#2 Make faces unrecognizable

 

Example 1: When capturing an accident, several images of the accident site are taken. However, some of the images include several uninvolved passers-by. Before the image can be shared in a chat, these faces must be blurred.

 

Example 2: During a demonstration, several photos of demonstrators are captured. In this case, too, non-relevant faces should be made unrecognizable before central archiving.

 

In conclusion, Teamwire is once again enriched by an innovation with the blur effect and has reached an important milestone in secure communication exchange. There are no limits to the evolution in business communication.

 

The new image editing feature is introduced with the latest Teamwire iOS version. The function will be available for Android in October.

Learn more about the new features of Teamwire and arrange a demo session today.