Security News > 2023 > August > China – which surveils everyone everywhere – floats facial recognition rules

China has released draft regulations to govern the country's facial recognition technology that include prohibitions on its use to analyze race or ethnicity.

According to the the Cyberspace Administration of China(CAC), the purpose is to "Regulate the application of face recognition technology, protect the rights and interests of personal information and other personal and property rights, and maintain social order and public safety" as outlined by a smattering of data security, personal information, and network laws.

The rules also state that facial recognition tech must be used only when there is a specific purpose and sufficient necessity, strict protection measures are taken, and only when non-biometric measures won't do.

No organization or individual shall use face recognition technology to analyze personal race, ethnicity, religion, sensitive personal information such as beliefs, health status, social class, etc.

Human rights groups have credibly asserted that Uyghurs are routinely surveilled using facial recognition technology, in addition to being incarcerated, required to perform forced labor, re-educated to abandon their beliefs and cultural practices, and may even be subjected to sterilization campaigns.

Beyond facilitating identification of Uyghurs, it's clear the cat is out of the bag when it comes to facial recognition technology in China by both government and businesses alike.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2023/08/08/china_facial_recognition_rules/