Your Face Belongs to Us: The Secretive Startup Dismantling Your Privacy

In her book "Your Face Belongs to Us," Kashmir Hill explores the implications of facial recognition technology and the people behind it. The book warns that the technology could lead to a dystopian future and expand the reach of policing, without regulation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

In her captivating and occasionally unsettling book, Kashmir Hill delves into the far-reaching consequences of facial recognition technology and uncovers the enigmatic figures behind its development. The Times Best Technology Books of 2023 aptly describes the book as "illuminating," as it fundamentally alters the way we perceive and navigate the world around us.

Upon discovering the enigmatic startup Clearview AI, which offered an app capable of identifying individuals through a mere snapshot of their face, Hill's initial reaction was one of profound fear. The app possessed the remarkable ability to extract personal information such as names, social media profiles, friends, and family, even revealing the user's home address. However, this was merely the beginning of a narrative that would surpass her wildest expectations.

Launched by the collaboration of computer engineer Hoan Ton-That and politician Richard Schwartz, Clearview AI swiftly gained prominence, attracting the attention of billionaires and law enforcement alike. Assisted by a cast of controversial figures on the alt-right, the startup's rapid growth propelled it to the forefront of the industry. In this remarkable feat of reporting, Hill skillfully intertwines the story of Clearview AI with an insightful exploration of the transformative impact of facial recognition technology on our lives. From its utilization by governments and corporations like Google and Facebook, which deemed it too radical for public release, to the profound consequences of racial and gender biases embedded within the AI, Hill sheds light on the multifaceted ways in which this technology is reshaping our world.

The book serves as a powerful warning, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation in the face of such advanced technology. Without proper oversight, the potential consequences are grave. The book raises concerns about the expansion of policing, reminiscent of practices in China and Russia, and the potential descent into a dystopian future. It prompts us to reflect on our relationship with technology, acknowledging its ability to entertain and enrich our lives while simultaneously exploiting and eroding our anonymity.

"Your Face Belongs to Us" is a gripping and thought-provoking true story that offers a profound examination of our complex relationship with technology. It sheds light on the ways in which we are both entertained and exploited by this powerful tool, while also serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding our privacy and autonomy. The book serves as a timely warning that in the absence of regulation, facial recognition technology has the potential to fundamentally alter the way we live and interact with one another.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398509177