FACE RACE TR by KASHMIR HILL: The Secretive Startup Dismantling Your Privacy

SIMON and SCHUSTER. Paperback. NEW. In her eye-opening book, "Your Face Belongs to Us," Kashmir Hill delves into the terrifying world of Clearview AI, a startup that has developed a groundbreaking app with the ability to identify anyone using a single snapshot of their face. With profound implications for privacy and security, the app can uncover a person's name, social media profiles, friends and family, and even their home address. Hill's journey into the depths of Clearview AI reveals a gripping story that surpasses even her wildest expectations. The brainchild of computer engineer Hoan Ton-That and politician Richard Schwartz, Clearview AI rapidly gained prominence, attracting both billionaire investors and law enforcement agencies. However, the company's rise to prominence was not without controversy, as it involved a cast of characters associated with the alt-right movement. Through meticulous reporting, Hill adeptly weaves together the story of Clearview AI with an exploration of the broader impact of facial recognition technology on society. Facial recognition technology, as Hill discovers, is far from a standalone concept. Its adoption extends across governments and tech giants like Google and Facebook, although the latter decided against releasing a similar product due to concerns over its radical nature. The author artfully examines how facial recognition technology is reshaping our lives and the consequences of the biases embedded within the algorithms, particularly around race and gender. Hill expresses concern that, if left unregulated, this technology could expand the reach of policing, drawing parallels with its use in countries like China and Russia where it has contributed to a dystopian future. "Your Face Belongs to Us" serves as an enthralling exposé that sheds light on our complicated relationship with technology. While it undeniably entertains us, it simultaneously exploits us. Hill powerfully warns readers that without proper regulation, the rampant use of facial recognition technology will herald the demise of our anonymity, leaving individuals vulnerable to invasive surveillance. Notably, John Carreyrou, author of "Bad Blood," applauds Hill's work by stating that the dystopian future depicted in science fiction movies is already upon us. By shedding light on this unsettling reality, her book effectively drives home the eerie implications of unchecked technological advancements. Garrett Graff, author of "The Only Plane in the Sky," recognizes Hill as an exuberant and enjoyable guide to the dark corners of our potential future, remarking that reading her account is akin to experiencing a real-life nightmare that never fails to captivate. In conclusion, Kashmir Hill's "Your Face Belongs to Us" provides an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the far-reaching consequences of facial recognition technology. As the book illuminates, our increasing reliance on this form of technology threatens to erode our privacy and reshape society in ways that echo dystopian fiction. Hill's work serves as an urgent plea for regulation, reminding us that our anonymity hangs in the balance.