The CNIL orders Clearview AI to stop reusing photographs available on the Internet
Clearview AI has developed a facial recognition software whose database is based on the extraction of photographs and videos publicly available on the Internet. The CNIL chair has ordered the company to cease this illegal processing and to delete the data within two months.
Clearview AI does not have a legitimate interest in collecting and using this data either, particularly given the intrusive and massive nature of the process, which makes it possible to retrieve the images present on the Internet of several tens of millions of Internet users in France. These people, whose photographs or videos are accessible on various websites, including social media, do not reasonably expect their images to be processed by the company to supply a facial recognition system that could be used by States for law enforcement purposes.
Clearview AI has a period of two months to comply with the injunctions formulated in the order and to justify its compliance to the CNIL. If it has not complied within the two month period, the CNIL chair may request the restricted committee to issue, if necessary, a sanction (including an administrative fine).
