Clearview AI Fined €30.5 Million for GDPR Violation
Clearview AI, a US-based startup specializing in facial recognition technology, has faced significant penalties under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) recently imposed a fine of €30.5 million on the company for maintaining an illegal database of photos. This penalty adds to the total of €90.5 million in fines that Clearview has accumulated across the European Union, following similar actions taken by authorities in France, Italy, and Greece.
The DPA’s investigation revealed that Clearview AI’s database includes images of Dutch citizens, which were collected from public sources on the internet, including social media profiles. This practice raises serious concerns regarding privacy, as individuals are often unaware that their images are being used for tracking and identification purposes without their consent. The DPA highlighted two major violations of GDPR: the unauthorized collection and usage of biometric data and a lack of transparency regarding how individuals can access information about their data.
In response to the ruling, Clearview’s Chief Legal Officer, Jack Mulcaire, stated that the company does not operate within the Netherlands or the EU and therefore should not be subject to GDPR regulations. However, the DPA maintains that Clearview has not challenged the decision and is unable to appeal the fine. Additionally, the authority has warned of a further €5.1 million penalty for non-compliance if the company fails to rectify its violations.
The DPA has also prohibited the use of Clearview’s technology by Dutch organizations, emphasizing the intrusive nature of facial recognition systems. As privacy concerns continue to rise, the DPA’s actions reflect a growing commitment to enforcing data protection laws and holding companies accountable for their practices.
Source: The Dutch are having none of Clearview AI harvesting your photos
