The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has fined Clearview AI €30.5 million ($33.7 million) for creating what it calls an “illegal database” of billions of facial images. The DPA also warned Dutch companies that using Clearview’s services is prohibited.
Clearview AI, a New York-based startup, did not contest the decision and cannot appeal. However, the company’s legal officer, Jack Mulcaire, called the ruling “unlawful” and argued that Clearview is not subject to EU regulations, as it has no operations or clients in the region.
The DPA cited significant violations of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), stating that Clearview failed to adequately inform individuals about the collection of their images. DPA Chairman Aleid Wolfsen emphasized the invasive nature of facial recognition technology, warning that any online photo could be swept into Clearview’s database.
Clearview faces additional penalties of up to €5.1 million if it does not comply with GDPR regulations. The company recently settled a similar case in Illinois for over $50 million, involving privacy rights violations tied to its vast facial photo collection.
