Newly obtained documents reveal that in mid-2019, Clearview AI spent nearly a million dollars in an effort to acquire "690 million arrest records and 390 million arrest photos" from Investigative Consultant, Inc. (ICI), an intelligence firm claiming access to extensive databases. The records sought included current and former home addresses, dates of birth, arrest photos, social security and cell phone numbers, and email addresses. This acquisition attempt occurred while Clearview AI was still relatively unknown and quietly amassing a vast collection of online photos.
Key takeaways:
- Clearview AI attempted to purchase hundreds of millions of arrest records, including sensitive personal information, to enhance its facial recognition product.
- The company has a history of collecting billions of photos from social media platforms without users' consent and selling access to law enforcement.
- New documents reveal Clearview AI's bid to buy 690 million arrest records and 390 million arrest photos from Investigative Consultant, Inc. (ICI).
- The contract included personal data such as home addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, and email addresses, and was signed in mid-2019.