Chinese Hotels Turn Away from Mandatory Face Scan Policies

Multiple hotels in major Chinese cities have suspended the use of facial recognition systems for guests who are able to provide valid forms of identification. The change follows Shanghai’s recent implementation of regulations targeting the use of biometric data collection.

Hotels in both Shanghai and Beijing now offer standard check-in procedures using government-issued identification, with facial recognition becoming optional. Reminders are displayed in some Shanghai hotels emphasizing that consumers with valid identity documents cannot be forced into face scans.

These shifts come as authorities in Shanghai issue guidelines for the hospitality industry, reports Global Times. Hotels must now obtain approval and demonstrate sufficient necessity before requiring facial verification from guests.

China’s Personal Information Protection Law outlines that biometric information, such as facial scans, falls under the category of sensitive personal data. This means strict regulations govern its collection and use.

“Sensitive information can only be processed and used under the conditions of special purpose and sufficient necessity with strict protective measures,” said Fang Biyun, a lawyer based in Shenzhen, South China’s Guangdong Province.

Fang added that China’s laws don’t include any provisions that require guests of Chinese hotels to submit to facial recognition scans when checking in.

China’s recent efforts to strengthen consumer privacy protections align with the suspension of mandatory facial recognition check-in at hotels. New regulations aim to prevent businesses from collecting excessive personal information. In this context, hotels requiring facial scans beyond what’s necessary for identification with a valid ID would likely be considered a violation.

Source: Global Times

—

April 24, 2024 — by Ali Nassar-Smith