Clearview AI, a facial recognition startup, has been slapped with a massive €30.5 million ($33.7 million) fine by the Dutch data protection watchdog. The company is accused of creating an “illegal database” containing billions of photos of faces scraped from social media platforms. This marks the largest GDPR fine yet for Clearview AI, which has faced similar penalties from regulators in the UK, Australia, France, and Italy.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) alleges that Clearview AI failed to provide sufficient information to individuals about how their biometric data is used. “Facial recognition is a highly intrusive technology, that you cannot simply unleash on anyone in the world,” said Dutch DPA chair Aleid Wolfsen. However, Clearview AI’s chief legal officer, Jack Mulcaire, claims the decision is “unlawful, devoid of due process and is unenforceable.”
This isn’t the first time Clearview AI has faced legal trouble over its controversial practices. As APNews reports, the company recently reached a $50 million settlement in an Illinois lawsuit alleging privacy rights violations. The Verge reports the Dutch DPA warns that company directors could be held personally liable for GDPR violations if they knew of breaches and failed to act.
Looking ahead, the Dutch DPA is seeking ways to ensure Clearview AI stops the violations and complies with GDPR regulations as reported by Arstechnica. The company faces potential noncompliance penalties of up to €5.1 million on top of the already hefty fine. As the debate around facial recognition technology and its impact on privacy rights continues, we may see further regulations and restrictions on the use of such technology in the future.
