Clearview AI: Explore controversial facial recognition program hired by Senate

Senate hires an AI-based facial recognition program Accused of collecting more than 50 billion images online without permissionAs emphasized by g1 this Thursday (19). Acquired in November, Clearview AI will be used by Federal Legislative Police agents.

The software developed by the American company of the same name makes it possible to identify people by comparing scanned face images with photographs stored in the database. From here, the technology has the ability to display individual information such as names and social media profiles.

Facial recognition system according to the contract will not work as a surveillance tool as it does not work in real time. It will enable Senate Police to respond quickly by contributing to investigations initiated after a crime or other violation.

Also according to the Senate, the manual image analysis work currently being carried out is a “complex and time-consuming task.” However, Clearview AI will not completely replace activities performed by humans and will only serve as an auxiliary tool.

What’s wrong with Clearview AI?

As the company stated, the database that provides the system with more than 50 billion images and an accuracy rate of over 99% has become the target of legal proceedings in many countries. The main argument in these is Violation of the right to privacy due to unauthorized collection of images.

In a class-action lawsuit in the United States, plaintiffs seek damages for misuse of their photos. The program is also drawing criticism from Google and Meta, as well as other major tech companies, demanding the company stop collecting data on its platforms.

General Data Protection Law (LGPD), The use of personal data by a company is subject to the consent of the information owner.. Without this permission, legislation would be violated and could result in penalties for Clearview AI.

The license to use the AI ​​facial recognition software is purchased for R$ 87,680 and gives you the right to unlimited queries against the database, including training and support. Initially, the contract will be valid until November 2025.

Senate speaking

In a note sent g1, The Senate commented that the program did not violate Brazilian law and that the contract included an obligation to comply with the rules set out in the LGPD.. The Parliament also commented on the use of facial recognition tools by other public institutions, citing the Federal Police and the Ministry of Justice.

“Providing a provision guaranteeing the proper use of information is more than a legal requirement, it is a balance between police action and the guarantee of privacy,” the Senate said in its statement.