Clearview AI, founded by Hoan Ton-That and Richard Schwartz, is an American facial recognition company that provides software primarily to law enforcement and government agencies. The company's core mission is to enhance public safety and security through advanced facial recognition technology. Clearview AI's software matches faces against a database of over 20 billion images sourced from the Internet, including social media platforms. The company gained significant attention in late 2019 when its use by law enforcement agencies was publicly reported.
Notable figures associated with Clearview AI include its founders, Hoan Ton-That and Richard Schwartz. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as aiding in the identification of suspects involved in the January 6th Capitol riot and assisting in the safety efforts during the war in Ukraine. Additionally, Clearview AI has contributed to law enforcement efforts to combat child exploitation. Despite controversies surrounding privacy concerns, the company's technology has had a substantial impact on public safety and criminal investigations.