Clearview AI is an American facial recognition company, providing software to law enforcement and government agencies and other organizations. The company's algorithm matches faces to a database of more than 20 billion images collected from the Internet, including social media applications. Founded by Hoan Ton-That and Richard Schwartz, the company maintained a low profile until late 2019, when its usage by law enforcement was reported. U.S. by police have used the software to apprehend suspected criminals. Clearview's practices have lead to fines by EU nations for violating privacy laws and investigations in the U.S. and other countries as well.