Facial recognition law in China. Issue 12 (5th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Zhaohui; Cheshmehzangi, Ali; McDonnell, Dean; Bentley, Barry L; da Veiga, Claudimar Pereira; Xiang, Yu-Tao
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 48:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1058
• Page End: 1059
• Publication Date: 2022-04-05
• Subjects: Ethics- Medical -- Policy -- Mental Health -- Communicable Diseases; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2022-108130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : Although the prevalence of facial recognition-based COVID-19 surveillance tools and techniques, China does not have a facial recognition law to protect its residents' facial data. Oftentimes, neither the public nor the government knows where people's facial images are stored, how they have been used, who might use or misuse them, and to what extent. This reality is alarming, particularly factoring in the wide range of unintended consequences already caused by good-intentioned measures and mandates amid the pandemic. Biometric data are matters of personal rights and national security. In light of worrisome technologies such as deep-fake pornography, the protection of biometric data is also central to the protection of the dignity of the citizens and the government, if not the industry as well. This paper discusses the urgent need for the Chinese government to establish rigorous and timely facial recognition laws to protect the public's privacy, security, and dignity amid COVID-19 and beyond.