Dutch Watchdog Fines Clearview AI €30.5M for Illegal Facial Recognition Database

The Dutch data protection watchdog fined Clearview AI €30.5 million for creating an illegal database of billions of facial photos. The agency warned Dutch companies against using Clearview's services, citing breaches of the GDPR. Clearview's chief legal officer called the decision unlawful and argued the company doesn't fall under EU regulations.

The Dutch data protection watchdog has levied a substantial fine of €30.5 million on facial recognition startup Clearview AI for the creation of an illegal database comprising billions of photos.

The Netherlands' Data Protection Agency (DPA) has also issued a warning to Dutch companies, prohibiting them from utilizing Clearview's services.

The watchdog explained that Clearview has breached the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by building the database and failing to adequately inform individuals whose images are included.

In a statement, Clearview's chief legal officer Jack Mulcaire described the decision as 'unlawful' and 'unenforceable,' highlighting that the company doesn't operate within the EU's jurisdiction.

DPA chairman Aleid Wolfsen emphasized the intrusive nature of facial recognition technology, adding that Clearview's practices could affect anyone with an online photo.

If Clearview fails to comply with the regulation, it could face additional penalties up to €5.1 million.

Notably, Clearview recently settled an Illinois lawsuit regarding privacy violations of subjects, a deal potentially worth over $50 million but without admitting any liability.

(With inputs from agencies.)