FBI Seeks Options for “Clearview AI” Type Facial Recognition Searches

by Jesse Smith

The FBI has put out a request for information regarding (RFI) open-source facial recognition capabilities which it hopes to acquire in the future. The technology they are desiring would function similar to what is offered through companies like Clearview AI and PimEyes, both of which have been heavily scrutinized and sued for privacy violations.

Biometric Update reports that:

The agency explains the motivation behind its RFI as relating to major criminal, counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations: “Investigative leads are often derived from open-source images posted on social media profiles, Internet sites, and the dark web; for example, individuals often use social media to communicate, coordinate, and conduct criminal activity.”

Criminals wanted by the FBI and its partners are not always American residents with driver’s licenses, passports or criminal histories that would make their face biometrics available for searching.

ID Tech adds that:

Traditional image repositories like government databases often fail to provide critical information, making open-source facial recognition a potentially valuable tool for addressing fast-evolving threats. The ability to generate leads from open-source images is particularly important in cases where subjects conceal their identities or are not in the U.S.

RFI responses are due by October 15. Time will tell whether or not the FBI adds open-source facial recognition software to its arsenal of surveillance options.