Say Goodbye To Your Privacy Forever: Clearview AI

If you feel like your privacy isn't being compromised enough, think again. From user data being shared by Facebook, Instagram, and Google, your information is everywhere and there's nothing you can do about it. The world is changing rapidly with emerging technology every single day. We are so far immersed in our technology that we are not able to function without our smartphones, whereas fifteen years ago this was not the case. James H. Moor addresses the issue that with the increase of technology, there needs to be a larger focus in the laws of ethics - which is falling behind. This brings us to the question: just because some software can be programmed, does that mean it should be programmed? Here is Clearview AI. Welcome to the future.

Clearview AI is a company that has created software that allows for facial recognition from photos and videos to identify people and reveal their information. Yes, this means strangers can find you with simply a picture or video of you. The main goal of this software is to identify criminals and protect those who are innocent. This software is already being used by the FBI and is expected to eventually be released to the public sometime in the near future. Understandably, this seems like a very strong initiative to help make the world a better place; however, this program takes "online stalking" to a whole new level.

With this new level of technology, there are no secrets. It will be extremely hard to escape a predator, and extremely easy to fall prey to one. This app gives strangers the power to know information about you without even knowing your name. Victims of stalking and harassment will not be able to conceal their identity and will face constant struggles of trying to stay safe. In a society where sexual assault is very common, this program is providing the perpetrators with a tool that will make their jobs easier. This is the last thing that we need.

This ties back to the very important question: should this be developed? The answer to this question relates back to whether you believe the laws of ethics should be further studied to catch up with the fast growing field of technology. Moor explains that companies should be more proactive rather than retroactive in their development of new products and applications. Moor says, "We need to learn about the technology as it is developing and to project and assess possible consequences of its various applications." Does Clearview AI see the consequences to releasing such a program? Although this program may be successful in helping law enforcement catch criminals, it also opens up a whole new realm of consequences that may have not been anticipated. As technology advances, it is very important to slow down and make time to think about the ethical dilemmas that are associated with developing new products that could completely revolutionize the world.