


Let’s face it — there’s just no escaping AI.
But now, a facial recognition website that uses a specialized bot to locate every single picture of a person that’s ever been shared online is rearing its ugly head.
Deemed a “stalker’s dream,” and the “most disturbing AI website on the internet” on Twitter, the site, known as PimEyes, is an identity search engine that’s said to be similar to, yet a bit more sophisticated than, Google’s reverse image search tool.
On its homepage, users are prompted to upload their photo in order to find out where their image has been published.
But the facial recognition service isn’t free — nor is it cheap.
Folks wanting to keep tabs on their mugs are given the option to select one of three monthly or annual payment plans, each offering a variety of perks.
Monthly packages range in price from $30 to $300.
For yearly billing, clients are asked to pay between $300 to $3,000.
Its high expense aside, the company behind the AI argues that its benefits are worth the cost.
“PimEyes is an advanced facial recognition search engine that empowers its users to conduct image-based searches,” the imprint explains on its “Frequently Asked Questions” page. “PimEyes can be used to identify instances where a user’s image has been posted online without their consent.”
The site goes on to tout the importance of knowing where and how one’s likeness is being displayed online, claiming its facial recognition technology can serve as a line of defense against virtual scoundrels.
“This information is critical in mitigating the risk of fraudulent activities, including identity theft, catfishing, and other scams,” reads the site. “PimEyes offers value to individuals and organizations seeking to safeguard their online identity and reputation.”
The brand continued, “PimEyes enables users to monitor their digital footprint and take proactive measures by issuing Takedown Requests to protect their privacy and security.”
The system’s merits notwithstanding, skeptics on social media are less than impressed with the “creepy” innovation.
“This should be considered a crime,” a digital detractor tweeted.
“Someone could just take a picture of you on the street, upload it to PimEyes and see your whole life in pictures. RIP privacy,” another cynic wrote, in part.
“Ok that’s cool and scary,” said a separate user. “Only found two images of me, the second of which is from 15 years ago which is the scary part because I don’t even recognize myself in the old pic.”
But advocates of the AI quickly praised its advantages.
“It actually works quite well. Every picture it found was actually me! Very impressive,” cheered a supporter of the science on Twitter.
“I uploaded a pic from when I was 9 and it found adult pics of me. WILD. Very very wild. Missing children reports from all precincts need to use this ASAP,” said another.
However, PimEyes notes that its robotics are strictly meant for individual application.
“PimEyes is intended solely for personal use,” reads the site. “Pursuant to our Terms of Service, any search pertaining to other individuals is strictly prohibited.”
“We take all necessary measures to ensure the privacy and protection of our users,” the company continues. “We consider non-compliance with our policies to be a grave matter, tantamount to violating the law.”