Clearview AI app was reportedly used for fun by company's investors, friends

The use of facial recognition technology has been spreading rapidly. Before Clearview AI became the target of public scrutiny earlier this year, the facial recognition app was used freely by the company's investors, clients and friends, according to a report Thursday from The New York Times. The app was reportedly demonstrated at events like parties, business gatherings and even on dates. Clearview identifies people by comparing photos to a database of images scraped from social media and other sites. It came under fire after a New York Times investigation in January.