Hi Everyone,
Further to our presentation on facial recognition technology yesterday and specifically, our focussed discussion on law enforcement’s use of Clearview AI, I just wanted to share the following article. Despite their insistence that Clearview AI is intended for the sole use of supporting law enforcement personnel and a few select private security companies, it is becoming abundantly clear that the company’s client list extends far beyond law enforcement. According to company documents seen by Buzzfeed News, the company has shared its technology with organizations it designated as “friends”, conservative think tanks, Republican lawmakers, and more than 20 potential investors around the world. Interestingly, among one of the company’s “friends” is SHW Partners LLC, a company founded by Jason Miller, a former Trump campaign senior communications official and one-time nominee for White House communications director. The company has since declined to comment on any follow up questions to the story.
I believe this story further highlights the inherent dangers facial recognition technology represents and further exacerbates the company’s ongoing “shrouded in secrecy” issues. Moreover, given the lack of governmental or regulatory oversight over Clearview AI, the story further demonstrates the danger of simply relying on the moral compass of companies like Clearview to follow through on its commitment and messaging. The potential for mischief and mis-use is clearly too high.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanmac/clearview-ai-trump-investors-friend-facial-recognition