Security News > 2022 > March > Clearview AI fined €20M for collecting Italians’ biometric data
The Italian privacy guarantor has imposed a fine of €20,000,000 on Clearview AI for implementing a biometric monitoring network in Italy without acquiring people's consent.
Without ever acquiring those people's consent or informing them about the scraping of their biometric data, Clearview AI offered its clients a search service that employed artificial intelligence to match faces with identities and online activity.
The guarantor's investigation revealed that Clearview AI also possessed illegally processed geolocation data, which violates basic principles of the GDPR. "In light of the violations found, the Guarantor imposed an administrative fine of 20 million euros on Clearview AI," reads the GPDP announcement.
Finally, Clearview AI attempted to distinguish between biometric data scraping and person monitoring, as they denied using behavioral analysis or any profiling techniques.
It is worth noting that during the EU Parliament discussions in 2021 over the upcoming 'Artificial Intelligence Act,' Clearview AI was explicitly mentioned as an example of a biometric mass surveillance implementation to avoid.
Clearview AI does not have a place of business in Italy or the EU, it does not have any customers in Italy or the EU, and does not undertake any activities that would otherwise mean it is subject to the GDPR. I grew up in Australia and have long viewed Italy as a world center of art and design.