By Canadian Press

Watchdogs order Clearview AI to stop using facial recognition tool without consent

Dec 14, 2021 | 1:20 PM

OTTAWA — Three provincial privacy watchdogs have ordered facial recognition company Clearview AI to stop collecting, using and disclosing images of people without consent.

The privacy authorities of British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec are also requiring the U.S. firm to delete images and biometric data collected without permission from individuals.

The orders made public today follow a joint investigation by the three provincial privacy authorities with the office of federal privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien.

The watchdogs found Clearview AI’s facial recognition technology resulted in mass surveillance of Canadians and violated federal and provincial laws governing personal information.

They said the New York-based company’s scraping of billions of images of people from across the internet was a clear breach of Canadians’ privacy rights.

niche amenities

Trio of community park projects advancing in Nanaimo

6h ago

final farewell

Family, friends and fans to gather at memorial for former B.C. premier John Horgan

7h ago

holiday vibes

Grizzlies spoil Clippers' teddy bear toss night

14h ago

Clearview AI’s technology allows for the collection of images from various sources that can help police forces, financial institutions and other clients identify people.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2021.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press