China Bans Forced Facial Recognition

China’s cyberspace regulator has released new regulations on facial recognition technology, emphasizing that individuals should not be forced to use it.

This comes as the country grapples with growing concerns over privacy and the widespread use of facial recognition in daily life.

Reuters reports that the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced that individuals should have alternative options if they refuse to verify their identity using facial recognition. This applies to various practices, such as using the technology for hotel check-ins or entering gated communities.

“Individuals who do not agree to identity verification through facial information should be provided with other reasonable and convenient options,” said the CAC in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

The new regulations are set to take effect in June and have been introduced in response to concerns over privacy, says Reuters. The regulations highlight that companies using facial recognition must obtain explicit consent before collecting biometric data.

However, the rules don’t apply to public spaces, and facial recognition will still be common in Chinese cities, where signs must notify the public of its use, as reported by Reuters.

These rules come after a 2021 survey revealed that 75% of Chinese respondents expressed concern about the technology, and 87% opposed its use in business places, says Reuters.

In response, China’s Supreme Court banned the use of facial recognition in places like shopping malls and hotels, requiring residents to request alternative methods of identification, as reported by Reuters.

Additionally, the Personal Information Protection Law, which came into force in November 2021, mandates user consent for data collection and imposes penalties on non-compliant companies, noted Reuters.

While the new rules aim to protect individual privacy, they still allow for the use of facial recognition for AI training activities. However, the regulations ban its use in private spaces such as hotel rooms, public bathrooms, and dressing rooms, where privacy could be compromised.

Experts and companies involved in facial recognition technology, like Sensetime and Megvii, are now expected to follow stricter data security measures, including encryption and audits to ensure data protection, as noted by Reuters.

Despite these regulations, questions remain about whether government entities will be subject to the same rules, as the Chinese government has previously used the technology for surveillance and control, including monitoring ethnic minorities, as noted by The Register.

This move is part of a broader global conversation about the balance between technological innovation and privacy rights. China’s push for more robust facial recognition laws signals a shift towards greater protection for citizens amid concerns about surveillance and data security.