Australia: ICO announces intent to issue £17 million fine to Clearview AI

On 29 November 2021, United Kingdom Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has announced its provisional intent to issue a £17 million fine to Clearview AI for an apparent failure to comply with UK data protection laws on a number of points. The alleged failures include: a failure to process information of people in the UK fairly; a failure to have a process in place to stop indefinite data retention; absence of lawful reason to collect information; failure to have higher standards in place for biometric information; failure to inform about use of data; potentially disincentivising objections to personal data processing. The ICO also announced that Clearview AI will be given an opportunity to make representations and that a final decision is expected for around mid-2022.