US-based facial recognition firm Clearview AI has been penalized with a 30.5 million euro ($33.7 million) fine for constructing an unlawful database, according to the Dutch data protection authority (DPA), which announced this on Tuesday.
The DPA additionally mandated a further penalty of up to 5 million euros for Clearview's failure to comply. Although Reuters could not reach Clearview AI for immediate comment, the DPA's statement revealed that Clearview did not dispute its ruling, thereby forfeiting its right to appeal the fine.
"Facial recognition technology is exceptionally invasive and should not be indiscriminately applied to individuals worldwide," cautioned Aleid Wolfsen, the DPA chairman, in an issued statement. He also highlighted that utilizing Clearview's services contravenes Dutch laws. Last week, ride-hailing service Uber faced a fine from the DPA for transferring European taxi drivers' personal data to the US, in breach of EU regulations. Uber deemed the fine unwarranted and has initiated an appeal process.
