Clearview AI is facing a $ 23 million fine for facial recognition in the UK

The UK’s national privacy watchdog warned Clearview AI on Monday that the controversial face-recognition company would face a £ 17 million or $ 23 million fine for “alleged serious breaches” of the country’s data protection laws. The regulator has also asked the company to delete the personal information of people in the UK.

The photos in Clearview AI’s database “are likely to include data from a large number of people in the UK and unknowingly from information available online, including social media platforms,” the Information Commissioner’s Office said. a statement on Monday.

In February 2020, It was first reported by BuzzFeed News Other police forces from the National Crime Agency, the Metropolitan Police and England were listed as having internal access to Clearview’s facial recognition technology, according to internal data. The company has built its business by taking photos of people from the web and social media and indexing them in a vast database of facial knowledge.

In March, a BuzzFeed News study based on Clearview AI’s internal data revealed how a New York-based startup marketed a face recognition tool – offering free trials for its mobile app or desktop software – to more than 1,800 thousands of officers and employees. Entities funded by U.S. taxpayers, according to data available through February 2020. In August, another study by BuzzFeed News showed how police departments, prosecutors and interior ministries around the world conducted nearly 14,000 searches at the same time as Clearview AI. software.

Clearview AI no longer offers its services in the UK.

The Office of the Information Commissioner of the United Kingdom (ICO) announced the interim orders following an investigation by the Australian privacy regulator. Earlier this month, the Office of the Information Commissioner of Australia (OAIC) he asked company destroys all images and facial templates of people living in the country, below A BuzzFeed News study.

“I am deeply concerned that personal data has been treated in a way that no one in the UK has expected,” UK Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said in a statement. “So it’s fair for the ICO to warn people about the extent of this potential violation and the action we’re taking.”

Hoan Ton-That, the CEO of Clearviewe, said he was “very disappointed” with the interim decision.

“I am saddened by the misinterpretations of Clearview AI’s technology to society,” Ton-That said in a note. “I would welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue with leaders and lawmakers so that the true value of this technology, which has been so crucial to law enforcement, remains safe for the community.”

Clearview AI’s UK lawyer Kelly Hagedorn said the company is considering an appeal and further action. The ICO expects to make its final decision by mid-2022.