Shanghai has tightened restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces to better protect personal data, according to the Cyberspace Administration of Shanghai Municipality.

As part of a special campaign launched by the administration this year to safeguard consumer privacy, more than 600 supermarkets, 6,300 hotels, 1,200 swimming facilities and fitness centers, and 2,900 public restrooms across the city have ceased the mandatory use and improper application of facial recognition technology.

The campaign emphasizes that, in principle, facial recognition should not be used in public spaces, with exceptions only in cases of clear necessity.

It also calls for reducing the number of data collection terminals while ensuring secure data storage.

The installation of facial recognition devices in public areas must be necessary for public safety, legally justified, and clearly communicated to individuals whose facial data is collected.

Where possible, such devices should be removed and their use minimized.

These guidelines align with the Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China, which took effect in November 2021. The law sets strict requirements for collecting and processing personal biometric data.

Subsequently, Shanghai's local legislation stipulates that image collection and identity recognition devices may be installed in public spaces only if necessary for maintaining public safety. Such installations must comply with national regulations and include prominently displayed signage.

Despite these measures, the effective enforcement of regulations and penalties remains critical to preventing misuse.

In May, the first case of facial recognition misuse in Shanghai was addressed by the Cyberspace Administration of Shanghai Municipality at a swimming facility in Songjiang district.

Source: Jiefang Daily