The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) has fined facial recognition technology company Clearview AI €3.05 million for violating relevant laws by collecting user images without consent. DPA Chairman Aleid Wolfsen pointed out that facial recognition technology is highly invasive, noting that images are collected without users' knowledge. Clearview AI claims that its services do not operate in the Netherlands and the EU, and therefore should not be subject to GDPR. The company's Chief Legal Officer stated that the fine decision is unlawful and unenforceable.

Clearview AI has been accused of violating California privacy laws by allegedly collecting images online without consent and selling them to law enforcement. A Consumer Watchdog report claims that Clearview AI has gathered over 40 billion images, primarily from social media, to sell to public agencies and potentially foreign companies. Investigators have called for the California Attorney General to investigate Clearview AI to understand its data usage and enforce state laws.