> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/pimeyes.md). # PimEyes | **PimEyes** | **Quick Overview** | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | URL | | | What it does | Searches the web for images of a person using facial recognition. | | How to use it | Upload face, search, then review matches. | | Cost | Partially free. | | Account required | No for basic use. Yes for full functionality. | | Cookies | A mix of functional session cookies and high-level cross-platform tracking cookies. | | Ownership | Owned and acquired by Georgian security scholar & academic Giorgi Gobronidze in 2021, operated through Dubai based company EMEARobotics. | | Use in Reporting | Useful for identification and verification with strict ethical considerations. | ### What does PimEyes do? PimEyes uses facial recognition technology to scan the internet for images that match a submitted face. It identifies visually similar faces across publicly available images, helping users find where a person appears online, even across different contexts or time periods. **The lowdown:** It’s a powerful facial recognition tool for finding where a person appears online, best used for targeted investigations. **Note:** Despite ownership's stance on ethical use, the service has been heavily criticized for potential misuse as "stalkerware" because it allows users to search for anyone’s face. ### How to Use: **1. Upload a clear image of a face and run the search to review matching results.**
**2. Analyse links and sources to verify identity or image usage. You’ll need to upgrade to paid.**
### Cost * [ ] Free * [x] Partially Free * [ ] Paid Free for basic use. Paid subscriptions for full results, links, and alerts. ## Data Processing ### Account Required: * [x] Yes * [x] No No for basic use. Yes for full functionality. ### Cookies: Cookies used are mainly third-party tracking and session identifiers from major platforms (Google, Twitter/X, Facebook), used to manage logins, remember user preferences, and track behaviour across sites. The PimEyes-specific ttcsid cookies handle session tracking and user interaction on the platform, while others (like SSID, UULE, xs) enable cross-site tracking, personalization, and ad targeting. Overall, this is a mix of functional session cookies and high-level cross-platform tracking cookies.
### Use in Reporting PimEyes is useful to: * Identify individuals across multiple online sources. * Verify whether images of a person are authentic or reused. * Track online presence of individuals (journalists, suspects, public figures). * Support investigations into impersonation, fraud, or misinformation. As a real-world example, [PimEyes was used by a journalist to help locate Daniela Klette (RAF fugitive) ](https://pimeyes.com/en/blog/pimeyes-the-digital-detective-redefining-cold-case-investigation)after decades on the run. It’s also [controversially been used by the Met Police](https://www.aiaaic.org/aiaaic-repository/ai-algorithmic-and-automation-incidents/uk-police-found-to-use-pimeyes-raising-privacy-concerns) to help identify suspects or persons of interest. **Note:** It’s a high-risk tool that requires strong editorial and ethical oversight. | **Capabilities** | **Limitations** | | ------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- | | Advanced facial recognition search. | Ethical and legal concerns around privacy, consent and misuse. | | Finds visually similar faces across the web. | Not always accurate. False positives possible. | | Works even with different angles, lighting, or ageing. | Limited access without payment. | | Can uncover hidden or lesser-known image sources. | Does not confirm identity, only similarity. | | Alerting/monitoring features on the paid version. | Some regions/platforms may block or limit results. | ### Summary PimEyes is most effective in the OSINT workflow during verification and identification, after initial discovery but before deeper analysis. However, it carries significant ethical, legal, and accuracy considerations. ### Ownership PimEyes is owned by [Giorgi Gobronidze](https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgi-gobronidze-0188b7a2/), a Georgian security scholar and academic who acquired the facial recognition search engine in 2021. The platform is operated through EMEARobotics, a company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. ### Ethical Considerations * High privacy impact as can identify individuals without consent. * Risk of misuse (doxxing, harassment, surveillance). * Must comply with data protection laws. * Results should never be treated as definitive identification. * Strong justification required for journalistic use. ### Related Tools: * Yandex Images * [TinEye](/osint-tools/tineye.md) #### Sources .