Clearview AI settles legal dispute with ACLU over privacy compliance

Clearview AI, a well-known facial recognition technology company, has resolved a legal dispute with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) by reaching a settlement in Illinois state court regarding its compliance with state privacy laws. The lawsuit, filed under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), was settled without Clearview AI admitting any liability. Instead, the company agreed to pay $250,000 in attorneys’ fees to the plaintiff, avoiding further damages.

BIPA provides certain exemptions for government use, banking, and scenarios where consent is given. Clearview AI’s business model of supplying facial recognition services primarily to government and law enforcement agencies remains intact. The settlement does not compromise Clearview AI’s ability to operate within this scope nor its use of a comprehensive database consisting of over 20 billion publicly accessible images. The company is permitted to offer its facial recognition algorithm to private commercial entities, provided they do not utilise the extensive image database.

The lawsuit filed by the ACLU raised concerns over privacy and data usage, yet Clearview AI has maintained its stance that its operations are lawful and essential for enhancing national and local security. Hoan Ton-That, the CEO of Clearview AI, highlighted the decision as a milestone for their mission, which aims to support law enforcement in resolving crimes efficiently through advanced technology.

Clearview AI’s facial recognition tools are employed to solve various crimes, including those related to child safety, financial fraud, and missing persons. The technology leverages a vast array of publicly sourced images to match individuals unbiasedly, across different traits and backgrounds, unlike more traditional, limited datasets like mugshots.

The company does not provide its services to law enforcement agencies in Illinois, despite this being legally permissible. This decision is part of the settlement to avoid prolonged legal proceedings with the ACLU. Clearview AI’s legal representatives, including Lee Wolosky and Floyd Abrams—both prominent figures in legal and national security affairs—announced that the agreement allows the company to continue its business operations without significant alterations. Furthermore, this settlement means Clearview AI can focus on expanding its market presence while adhering to relevant laws.

In recent tests conducted by the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), Clearview AI’s algorithm demonstrated exceptional accuracy, ranking first in the United States and within the global top ten. This recognition was followed by securing a U.S. patent, emphasizing the technology’s innovative stature.

Founded to revolutionise criminal investigations, Clearview AI has gained recognition as one of the most influential companies globally, underscoring its instrumental role in modern law enforcement. Despite ongoing debates over privacy implications, the company’s technologies continue to serve a significant role in providing effective security solutions to its clientele.

Source: Noah Wire Services