Clearview AI Faces the Music: UK Upholds £7.5M Fine for Data Breach Shenanigans
Clearview AI’s £7.5m fine is back on the table after the ICO’s successful appeal. The watchdog’s victory clarifies that UK data protection laws apply to companies worldwide if they monitor UK residents. It’s a win for privacy, a blow to facial recognition, and a reminder that even tech giants can’t dodge the GDPR bullet.
Hot Take:
Looks like Clearview AI’s face-scraping antics have finally hit a wall—specifically, the wall of the UK’s Upper Tribunal. This ruling is a solid reminder that just because you can take candy from a baby (or images from social media), doesn’t mean you should, especially when the baby is a UK resident with GDPR rights. Clearview AI might want to consider a new business model that doesn’t involve a global game of peek-a-boo with private data. Meanwhile, the ICO’s victory is a stern and necessary reminder that the UK won’t turn a blind eye to data mischief, no matter where you hang your corporate hat.
Key Points:
- The ICO’s appeal against Clearview AI was successful, paving the way for a £7.5m fine.
- Clearview AI was found guilty of scraping images of UK residents without consent.
- The Upper Tribunal ruled that UK data protection laws apply to foreign firms monitoring UK residents.
- Clearview AI can still appeal, but the ICO’s jurisdiction is now confirmed.
- The case underscores the challenges of enforcing fines on tech companies with vast resources.