Decoder with Nilay Patel cover image

Decoder with Nilay Patel

Clearview AI and the end of privacy, with author Kashmir Hill

Oct 17, 2023
In this intriguing discussion, Kashmir Hill, a New York Times reporter and author of 'Your Face Belongs to Us,' reveals the startling implications of Clearview AI’s facial recognition technology. She shares insights from her groundbreaking investigation into this secretive startup, which can identify anyone from a simple photo. Topics include the ethical dilemmas of surveillance, the chilling potential for wrongful arrests, and the personal vendettas that tech like this can enable. Hill emphasizes the urgent need for stronger privacy regulations as society navigates this new digital landscape.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Clearview AI has developed powerful facial recognition technology by scraping billions of public photos, raising significant privacy concerns.
  • The debate over facial recognition technology revolves around finding a balance between security and protecting individuals' privacy rights, with calls for national privacy regulation and public awareness.

Deep dives

Clearview AI: The Startup Revolutionizing Facial Recognition Technology

Clearview AI is a secretive startup that has developed a powerful facial recognition system. By scraping billions of photos from public websites like Facebook and LinkedIn, Clearview has built a vast database of faces that is searchable using their app. The technology has been primarily sold to law enforcement agencies, allowing them to identify criminal suspects and solve crimes. While other big tech companies like Google and Facebook have also developed facial recognition capabilities, Clearview AI distinguishes itself by making its technology accessible to government and law enforcement. The company's ascendancy, accompanied by controversial privacy concerns, has sparked legal battles and discussions about the future of facial recognition technology.

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