Clearview AI Slammed with €30.5M Fine over Illegal Database

Clearview AI, a U.S. facial recognition company, has been fined €30.5 million by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) for creating an illegal database. The DPA also imposed an additional penalty of up to €5 million for non-compliance. Clearview AI disputes the fine, stating it does not operate within the EU.

Clearview AI, a U.S.-based facial recognition company, has been hit with a substantial €30.5 million ($33.7 million) fine by the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA). The fine comes in response to the company's creation of an illegal database, as stated by the DPA on Tuesday. An additional penalty of up to €5 million has been imposed for non-compliance.

Jack Mulcaire, Clearview AI's chief legal officer, emphasized that the company does not operate in the Netherlands or the EU, nor does it have any customers in these regions. Mulcaire asserted that the company did not engage in activities subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), deeming the decision unlawful and unenforceable.

Aleid Wolfsen, Chairman of the DPA, highlighted the intrusive nature of facial recognition technology, calling it inappropriate for unregulated use. The case underscores ongoing concerns about privacy and data protection. Recently, Uber faced a similar fine from the DPA for transferring European taxi drivers' data to the United States in violation of EU rules.

(With inputs from agencies.)