Clearview AI is set to stop offering its facial-recognition services in Canada after an investigation by privacy protection authorities.

The announcement includes the suspension of the company's contract with the RCMP – their last remaining client in Canada.

The joint investigation by the federal privacy commissioner and three provincial counterparts comes after media reports, which highlighted concerns about Clearview AI collecting and using personal data without consent.

Clearview AI confirms it has ceased operations in Canada. Statement from CEO Hoan Ton-That: pic.twitter.com/vOUwDxGccG

— Thomas Daigle (@thomasdaigle) July 6, 2020

In a statement announcing the news, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada said that one issue under investigation is "the deletion of the personal information of Canadians that Clearview has already collected as well as the cessation of Clearview's collection of Canadians' personal information." 

The statement also confirms that authorities still plan to issue findings in this matter given "the importance of the issue for the privacy rights of Canadians."

The investigation by privacy protection authorities for Canada, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec remains open.