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China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: security sector advised to curb overuse of facial recognition in tourism

  • Country’s top political advisory body told that excessive use of security systems is hurting hospitality sector
  • There are no laws, regulations or formal rules mandating the use of such cybersecurity in hotels, expert says

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A tourism industry expert has told China’s top political advisory body that facial recognition at tourist accommodations is being overused and must be curbed. Photo: Shutterstock Images
China’s public security sector should scrap mandates that require hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to use facial recognition for registrations to protect the privacy and data security of travellers, a top political advisory body delegate has proposed.

Most of China’s tourist accommodation providers now use facial recognition systems, according to China Tourism Academy president Dai Bin, who is also a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

In addition to providing identification documents at check-in, authorities now require tourists in China to submit to facial recognition scans during registration.

“There are no specific laws, administrative regulations, or formal written departmental rules that mandate the installation of facial recognition devices in hotels,” Dai said in a proposal to the CPPCC on Monday.

He said public security departments nationwide should scrap their requirements for tourists to undergo facial recognition check-ins at hotels and stop using the software and hardware devices.

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