China Restricts Facial Recognition Tech

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China has introduced new regulations to limit the use of facial recognition technology, particularly in sensitive private spaces. The Cyberspace Administration and Ministry of Public Security jointly published these rules, emphasizing the need for user consent and data protection impact assessments before deploying facial recognition systems.

Key Provisions of the New Regulations

  • Consent Required: Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and using their facial data.
  • Privacy Assessments: A thorough “personal information protection impact assessment” is mandatory to evaluate the necessity, privacy implications, and data leakage risks associated with facial recognition technology.
  • Data Encryption: Biometric data must be encrypted, and robust security measures must be implemented to protect facial scans.
  • Banned in Private Spaces: The use of facial recognition is prohibited in areas like hotel rooms, public bathrooms, and dressing rooms.

Exceptions and Government Use

The rules appear to exempt researchers involved in “algorithm training activities,” potentially allowing the use of facial images for AI model development. The regulations’ applicability to government agencies remains unclear, raising concerns about continued state surveillance.

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Additional Tech News

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  • Alibaba invests heavily in artificial general intelligence.
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