In 2020, face-recognition firm Clearview AI became known for scraping over 3 billion photos from the internet to assist police and security professionals in identifying individuals. The company is now testing a new AI tool aimed at helping law enforcement gather more information about individuals, including their identities, connections, and online presence.
Clearview has developed an experimental AI tool called InquiryIQ, which is designed to assist investigators by automatically searching the web for information related to a person identified in a Clearview search. The tool can analyze images and compile profiles that may include details such as possible employers, aliases, associates, and physical characteristics.
According to code analyzed by WIRED, InquiryIQ's interface suggests that providing demographic information like age, gender, and race can enhance the system's search capabilities. The AI model tested for this tool includes technology from SpaceXAI, a company founded by Elon Musk. However, the specifics of how demographic data influences the AI's output remain unclear, and Clearview has not provided further details.
Experts suggest that tools like InquiryIQ could significantly speed up police investigations, potentially reducing the time needed for detective work. However, they also raise concerns about the implications of such technology, including the risk of unjustly scrutinizing individuals who may not have been investigated otherwise. The variability of generative AI outputs further complicates the ability to track the rationale behind specific investigative leads.
Clearview states that InquiryIQ is still a prototype and has not been offered to customers. CEO Amos Kyler emphasized that the tool is not intended to replace human investigators but to enhance their existing search capabilities. He noted that no law enforcement agency has used InquiryIQ to date.
The company has faced scrutiny over its practices, particularly after a 2020 investigation revealed its extensive scraping of images from various platforms. Despite legal challenges and public backlash, Clearview's database has expanded to over 70 billion images, with its technology currently utilized by more than 2,000 law enforcement agencies.
Kyler, who became CEO in October 2025, has focused on refining the company's approach to ensure integrity and oversight in its operations. InquiryIQ is designed to assist investigators by providing leads based on information they have already identified as relevant.
The tool aims to automate aspects of the investigative process, allowing officers to compile profiles that include potential addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, and arrest histories. However, experts warn that reducing the labor involved in investigations could undermine existing privacy protections and lead to unchecked surveillance practices.
When an InquiryIQ search concludes, the officer receives a summary of the identities and connections identified, which they must verify before adding to their profile. Clearview emphasizes the importance of human oversight in the investigative process, stating that the system is meant to generate leads rather than determine factual accuracy.
Concerns about the reliability of AI-generated information have been raised, particularly regarding the potential for biased or inaccurate outputs. Critics argue that the use of generative AI in law enforcement could lead to significant legal and ethical challenges, particularly if the technology is relied upon for establishing probable cause in investigations.
Kyler maintains that InquiryIQ's output is intended to serve as a resource for investigators, who are ultimately responsible for evaluating the information and determining its validity. The company aims to assist law enforcement in generating leads that can lead to verified outcomes.