Clearview AI facial recognition

Clearview AI is a US-based company that offers a facial recognition platform to law enforcement agencies, allowing them to search for individuals in real-time from a vast database of images scraped from the internet, including social media platforms. The company says its database contains an "astounding" 30 billion images, making it one of the largest facial recognition databases in the world. Founded in 2017 by Hoan Ton-That and Richard Schwartz , Clearview AI's services have reputedly been used by over 2,400 law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and local police departments. Clearview AI is a seen to pose multiple risks and harms, including: Privacy and surveillance. Clearview AI scraped people's images from social media and other online platforms without consent, violating privacy and enabling the mass surveillance of individuals. Civil liberties. The use of Clearview AI's technology may potentially undermine freedom of speech, the right to assemble and other civil liberties. Bias, discrimination and misidentification. Facial recognition technology has been shown to have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable people, including those of colour, immigrants, and low-income communities. Security. Clearview AI's database has been shown to be vulnerable to data breaches, thereby compromising sensitive information about individuals and its customers. Erosion of trust. The use of Clearview AI's technology can erode trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly in communities that have historically been subject to discriminatory policing practices.

Organisation involved

Macy's

Product, system or model

Clearview AI

This is a record of what was reported, not a finding that anyone broke the law. If it names your organisation and you believe it is wrong, the corrections process is free and open to everyone.