IObit said the latest version of its Android security app is the first time face recognition technology has been applied to an app to enhance security.

IObit Applock locks other apps on a device to stop unauthorised access. This could include preventing messages, photos and videos from being seen by others; protecting confidential information such as financial and health data; and preventing children from accidentally shopping or making in-app purchases.

It can complete the face recognition process in less than a second and is able to tell the difference between photos and real faces.

The firm said it spent years developing a series of new technologies to support the system on the phone and has “made the entire model very compact to speed up the process”.

The app is available on the Google Play store.

Eunice Hu, marketing director said: “There is no doubt we will embrace artificial intelligence in the coming future. Now we have applied facial recognition technology into Applock and users can experience the advanced technology in their daily life.”