Public
sector
Media
Judiciary

Ilme (Identification of ancestors/historical figures through facial recognition)

Public sector Country or Region Estonia
Sourced From
Joint Research Centre Data Catalogue: Public Sector Tech Watch latest dataset of selected cases European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC). Public Sector Tech Watch latest dataset of selected cases. 2023. European Commission. Available at: https://data.jrc.ec.europa.eu/dataset/e8e7bddd-8510-4936-9fa6-7e1b399cbd92. (Accessed March 2025).
Ilme is an AI-powered facial recognition tool developed by the Estonian National Archives. It allows users to search for photographic images of historical figures or their ancestors by uploading a photo. The AI compares the uploaded photo with over half a million images from the National Archives' database, Fotis, dating back to the 1840s. Within 24 hours, the most similar faces are returned via email as a PDF with matching results from approximately 3 million faces.
Data Validation

AI tools are employed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data. They are used to cross-check and validate large datasets, which is crucial for maintaining reliable public records and databases.

#retrace Retrace the lineage of historical figures or ancestors by uploading a photo to Ilme. The AI tool compares the uploaded image with millions of archival photos, helping users uncover potential matches dating back to the 1840s. This allows individuals to track familial or historical connections through facial recognition.
Website
Developed by
Public Sector
Deployment Type
Web Platform
Community Moderation
Does not require community manager
Difficulty Level
Does not require developer
License
Proprietary
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