China is implementing new regulations for facial recognition technology to ensure data privacy. These rules will require explicit user consent, clear signage, and provisions for individuals under 14. Organizations managing large amounts of biometric data must register with cybersecurity authorities. These measures reflect growing public discomfort with facial recognition practices and align with existing privacy laws.
China is ramping up its regulations on facial recognition technology in response to growing privacy concerns. The new regulations, titled “Administrative Measures on the Security of Facial Recognition Technology Application,” will require businesses to comply before their implementation in June. These measures address various commercial applications, such as hotel check-ins and access to secured facilities.
The regulations mandate that businesses must inform users through clear signage when facial recognition technology is being utilized. Additionally, organizations must obtain explicit and informed consent from users before processing their biometric data, including parental consent for minors under 14.
For organizations managing over 100,000 facial biometric records, registration with provincial cybersecurity authorities will be necessary. Businesses are also obligated to conduct Personal Information Protection Impact Assessments to evaluate the effect of their data processing activities.
Recent cybersecurity measures further restrict how payment providers store and manage biometric data. China’s Personal Information Protection Law, enacted in November 2021, complements these regulations by also requiring explicit consent for handling biometric data. This shift aligns with the public’s growing concern regarding facial recognition’s prevalence in society.
Additionally, the move comes during a challenging time for SenseTime, a prominent AI and facial recognition company, following the resignation of its co-founder Xu Bing. The new regulations mark a significant step in addressing privacy and data security in China’s biometric landscape, reflecting a broader trend toward more robust data protection.
China’s new facial recognition regulations aim to enhance data privacy by mandating organizations to obtain informed consent and to provide alternatives for users. With the impending regulations set to take effect in June, businesses must prepare for compliance, especially those handling large volumes of biometric data. This development underscores China’s commitment to addressing public concerns regarding biometric data usage and reinforces existing laws like the Personal Information Protection Law.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
