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Newly uncovered documents expose Clearview AI’s founders’ agenda: targeting immigrants and the left with facial recognition tech, now empowered by the Trump administration.
In March 2017, Hoan Ton-That, the coder behind Clearview AI, proposed a “border patrol pitch” to integrate facial recognition into border surveillance. This was just the beginning of a far-reaching plan driven by a right-wing vision.
The Database and Its Purpose
Clearview AI built a massive database by scraping billions of images from the internet without user consent. Its AI created “faceprints,” enabling users to profile individuals using social media data—political and religious affiliations, relationships, and more—without warrants.
Ideology in Action
Ton-That, a Trump supporter, wanted to compare migrants’ images to mugshots and scan their social media for anti-Trump sentiments or far-left affiliations, exemplified by targeting groups like UnidosUS.
Funding and Expansion
Backed by Peter Thiel, Clearview signed up law enforcement clients, urging them to “run wild” with searches. This led to controversies over privacy violations, with corporations and law enforcement misusing the technology.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Clearview’s practices have been deemed illegal by authorities in multiple countries, resulting in fines of around $100 million. Critics like Albert Fox Cahn highlight the weaponization of personal images without consent.
Leadership Changes and Future Plans
After Ton-That stepped down, Richard Schwartz and Hal Lambert, known for his “MAGA ETF,” took over as co-CEOs. Lambert aims to capitalize on Trump’s anti-immigration policies, with ICE already a major client.
Trump’s Return and Potential Abuse
With Trump’s return and weakened oversight, Clearview poses a significant threat. It can identify individuals at protests, reproductive health facilities, and places of worship, creating a tool for political retribution.
Extremist Connections
Documents reveal Ton-That’s interactions with alt-right figures like Milo Yiannopoulos and white supremacists. Pitch decks promoted surveilling protesters and those involved in “radical” activities.
Eugenics and Racial Bias
Ton-That’s fascination with eugenics and his consultations with human biodiversity proponents expose a troubling undercurrent of racial bias in Clearview’s development.
Clearview’s Agenda: Internal Emails Reveal All
- Gayface predictor is 80% accurate
- There is no association between wider faces and the rate of convictions for violent offenses
- Tenant screening product
- Smartcheckr proposal/specs for Hungary
- Send this to thiel
- Faces and criminality
- Face & IQ
- Smartcheckr for security + Pokemon Go
- Fwd: Using Smartcheckr on voter fraud in New Hampshire
From JPMorgan to ICE: Early Clients and Trajectory
Clearview’s early clients included JPMorgan Chase for vetting shareholder meeting attendees. Despite attempts to enter the corporate world, Clearview remained deeply embedded within extremist circles.
Deep Ties within Trump’s Circle
Clearview established connections within Trump’s inner circle, including offering free accounts to figures like Rep. John Ratcliffe, and engaging with officials such as Wilbur Ross.
NYPD: Key Relationship
Clearview’s partnership with the NYPD played a pivotal role, enabling its technology to spread throughout law enforcement. Despite no formal contract, NYPD employees endorsed the tech widely.
Post-Johnson Era
Clearview distanced itself from Johnson due to his controversial views. However, Johnson continued to advise the company, connecting them with investors and customers.
ICE and Deportation
ICE became a willing partner, aiming to use Clearview to “ID all the illegal immigrants for the deportation squads,” as Johnson stated. This collaboration raised concerns about racial profiling and privacy violations.
EPIC Records and Concerns
EPIC records revealed indifference within ICE about Clearview’s implications on civil rights. ICE employees praised the technology while privacy officers noted its use to track individuals threatening agents online.
Civil Rights Lawsuits
Lawsuits, such as the ACLU’s in Illinois, aim to hold Clearview accountable. Reyna Maldonado, a DACA recipient, highlights the chilling effect on free speech and community organizing.
The Future of Facial Recognition
Experts predict increased use of facial recognition under Trump, expanding from immigrants to the general public. Despite Clearview’s role in identifying January 6th insurrectionists, its far-right ties remain largely unaddressed.
Lack of Accountability
Clearview’s leadership maintains extremist views, with co-CEO Lambert aiming to deploy the tech to support MAGA rule. The failure to address these issues allows Clearview to continue expanding its reach.
The debate about tech harms often overlooks the ideological biases within technology itself, allowing companies like Clearview to operate without scrutiny. This oversight poses a significant threat to privacy and democracy.