Facial recognition company that scrapes social media sites to be investigated by UK and Australia

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office and the Australian Information Commissioner have announced a joint investigation into Clearview AI. The data watchdogs will focus "on the company's use of'scraped' data and biometrics of individuals" they said in a statement. The investigation follows a similar announcement by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, which also has opened an investigation into Clearview AI. "The joint investigation was initiated in the wake of media reports which stated that Clearview AI was using its technology to collect images and make facial recognition available to law enforcement in the context of investigations" the Canadian statement says. "Reports have also indicated the US-based company provides services in a number of countries to a broad range of organizations, including retailers, financial institutions and various government institutions." The company had advised the privacy protection authorities that, in response to their investigation, it would be withdrawing its services from Canada.