Controversial Facial Recognition Company Eyes Trump “Opportunities”

Hoan Ton-That, the CEO of Clearview AI, has decided to step down from his position, as reported by Forbes. The controversial facial recognition company received criticism in 2020 after gathering billions of images from social media without users’ consent to create a global facial recognition database.

With Trump allies now leading Clearview, concerns are growing that a potential Trump administration could expand biometric surveillance, increasing risks for Black and immigrant communities.

Clearview AI’s change in leadership

Ton-That stepped down as CEO in December, becoming president before later announcing his full departure to start the “next chapter” of his life. He will remain on the board, according to a statement to Forbes.

Hal Lambert, an early investor and board member, shared that replaced Ton-That as CEO in December with the help of cofounder Richard Schwartz, who managed daily operations. Lambert was a previous fundraiser for President Trump and said he joined the company to help Clearview “with the new administration,” noting that “There’s some opportunities there. I’m going to be helping with that effort.”

Forbes reported that government officials sought to increase biometric surveillance, specifically at the border, where they stated it could be utilized to impose immigration laws. “The policy is, we want to keep America safe, and technology is a way to do it,” Lambert said.

“Under the Trump administration, we would hope to grow more than we were able to under the Biden administration…We’re talking to the [Pentagon], we’re talking to Homeland Security. There are a number of different agencies we’re in active dialogue with,” he added.

Clearview’s Controversial Facial Recognition

Clearview facial recognition tool took publicly posted pictures from Facebook and Instagram without the user’s knowledge or permission. The Department of Justice used the tool, as did retailers like Best Buy and Macy’s, as well as law enforcement and government-associated agencies in several countries.

However, it was amid legal drama after the UK’s privacy watchdog fined Clearview AI more than $9.5 million. The fine came after a few senators called on federal agencies to stop using facial recognition technology built by Clearview AI.

The fine came months after a trio of senators called on federal agencies to stop using facial recognition technology built by Clearview AI.

In letters signed by Sens. Edward Markey and Jeffrey Merkley, as well as House Reps Pramila Jayapal and Ayanna Presley, the technology was said to pose “unique threats” to Black communities, other communities of color, and immigrant communities.

Image: Patrick McMullan via Getty Images