Hong Kong Authorities Look to Facial Recognition to Let Tourists Access Sensitive Border Area

The Hong Kong government is advancing plans to transform Sha Tau Kok, an area traditionally off-limits to the general public, into a cultural tourism hub by equipping the Chung Ying Street checkpoint with facial recognition technology. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung has confirmed that final testing is underway, and the system is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

The system aims to streamline access to Chung Ying Street, a restricted area where only individuals with special permissions can enter. Chung Ying Street is a unique and historically significant area located on the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China. Its name, which means “China–England Street,” reflects its historical role as a boundary demarcation: one side of the street lies in Hong Kong (formerly under British rule), and the other side is in Shenzhen, part of mainland China. This makes the street a rare geographic feature with a foot on both sides of two different political and legal systems.

The street’s restricted status stems from its sensitive position at this border and its role in past political developments. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Chung Ying Street became a site of cross-border activity, including smuggling. As a result, it was declared a restricted area in the 1950s, with only authorized individuals allowed to enter. Additionally, during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, it became a transit point for refugees seeking to escape to Hong Kong.

Today, Chung Ying Street remains restricted to preserve border security and maintain control over cross-border activities. Its historical and cultural significance, however, has made it a point of interest for tourists, and the Hong Kong government has recently been developing plans to promote cultural tourism in the area. By enhancing visitor management capabilities, the government hopes the facial recognition system will support future tourism initiatives in the region.

This development reflects the government’s broader strategy, outlined by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, to promote cultural tourism in Sha Tau Kok. As part of this initiative, the area has gradually opened to visitors in phases.

Source: The Standard

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October 7, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy