China introduces mandatory face scans for phone users

Why is it in news?
  • China will require telecom operators to collect face scans when registering new phone users at offline outlets starting on Sunday, according to the country’s information technology authority, as Beijing continues to tighten cyberspace controls.
More in news
  • Portrait Matching: A China Unicom customer service representative told AFP that the December 1 “portrait matching” requirement means customers registering for a new phone number may have to record themselves turning their head and blinking.
  • Using AI: The move to leverage AI comes as facial recognition technology gains traction across China, where the tech is used for everything from supermarket checkouts to surveillance.
  • Consumers embracing amid Privacy Concerns: While researchers have warned of the privacy risks associated with gathering facial recognition data, consumers have widely embraced the technology.
Source
The Hindu




Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 2nd Dec 2019