- Massive Fine Issued: The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has fined Clearview AI €30.5M, with an additional €5M potential non-compliance penalty, for creating an illegal database of billions of images scraped from the internet.
- GDPR Breach: Clearview AI has been accused of violating GDPR by collecting images and biometric data without people’s consent, leading to privacy concerns.
- Clearview’s Response: Despite the fine, Clearview AI claims that GDPR does not apply to the company, as it lacks a business presence or customers in the EU.
Impact
- Legal and Regulatory Pressures: The fine highlights growing scrutiny from international regulators regarding Clearview AI’s controversial facial recognition practices.
- Privacy Concerns: Clearview AI’s database of over 50 billion images sparks significant worries about the widespread use of facial recognition without consent.
- Global Controversy: Clearview continues to face regulatory and legal challenges worldwide, but its business model remains largely focused on law enforcement in the U.S.
- Lack of EU Enforcement Power: Clearview’s U.S. base complicates EU regulatory enforcement, raising questions about how non-EU companies can be held accountable under GDPR.
- Ongoing Growth: Despite regulatory hurdles and fines, Clearview’s database continues to grow, raising alarms about unchecked surveillance technology.
Eksentricity 
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