The use of facial recognition scanners on the mainland has become part of daily life, used not only by law enforcement authorities but also hotels, housing estates, university campuses and shopping centres.
While the increasingly sophisticated technology can make identification quicker, easier and more convenient, there have been growing public concerns about the risk of leaks and other privacy breaches.
The passing of new regulations to reflect these concerns, restricting the use of facial recognition and placing importance on obtaining consent, is, therefore, a welcome development.
Rules issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Public Security will take effect in June.
Service providers will be required to seek consent before processing an individual’s facial data and provide a means of withdrawing permission. Users of the technology also must accept alternative forms of identification.
The regulations restrict external transmission of facial recognition information on the internet, require security measures to prevent leaks and prohibit use of the technology in places where privacy would be expected such as hotel rooms and washrooms.
