I know there are a few different solutions out there. I've only tested one of them as I didn't want to spend the time with the software solutions I found.Here's what I found and I offer these without endorsement or guarantees:
- SecureRedact (powered by Pimloc) - They operate mostly in the UK/EU, but they do have US-based data processing centers. I created a throw-away account and uploaded some test video footage. Their system worked easily, quickly, and simply. I didn't need any training or instruction. You can redact faces and/or license plates as well as audio contained in the video clip. They offer a "free forever" level of membership where you can use their service on a total of 20 minutes of video footage per month. The site did not ask for a credit card or any form of payment. Their site integrates with Google and Microsoft for easy authentication or you can sign up with an email address.
- Blender VFX - Open Source Software available for the Windows or Mac with powerful editing capabilities. This software can do motion tracking and blurring of any object you choose because the object selection is manual. The motion tracking is not perfect, but it is very good for a basic solution. I found a very nice YouTube video tutorial for using it to accomplish this task. I'd say on a 1-10 difficulty scale with 10 being "I need a college degree to do this", I'd give this process a 3-4 rating.
- Adobe Premiere Pro apparently has similar capabilities to Blender, but ... well... Adobe. I don't have any experience with their video editing software personally.
- Some security camera systems have this feature built-in. Verkada has this built into their security camera systems.
I hope this helps or at least gives you a good place to start,
Glenn
Glenn Fischer, MSI (he/him)
Library Director | gfischer@dewittlibrary.org
Phone: 517-668-7081 | dewittlibrary.org