The world’s most valuable AI startup helps China spy on its citizens

SenseTime builds surveillance databases for local governments… and software for selfie apps

SenseTime surveillance software identifying details about people and vehicles during a demonstration at the company's office in Beijing, China. The descriptions next to the woman reads: Adult, long sleeves, long pants, navy blue top, grey bottom. (Picture: Reuters)
With US$600 million in fresh funding, SenseTime is now the richest artificial intelligence startup on Earth. Haven’t heard of it? Here’s a quick primer.
Founded in 2014, SenseTime was created by a group of university researchers. Filled with 150 PhD graduates, it’s published more papers at top AI conferences than Facebook or Google.
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