New Rules on Facial Recognition Released

Applications to process facial data will need to comply with laws and regulations, uphold social morality and ethics, and adhere to business and professional ethics.
An official from CAC said that the application of facial recognition technology is closely tied to facial data security and has drawn significant public attention. To standardize the use of facial recognition in processing facial data and protect personal information rights, the two authorities jointly introduced the measures, which outline basic requirements, processing rules, security standards and regulatory responsibilities for facial recognition applications.
Personal information processors are obligated to notify individuals and conduct personal information protection impact assessments.
Specific requirements are outlined for installing facial recognition technology devices in public spaces. Personal information processors must file a record with the provincial or higher-level cyberspace administration within 30 working days, if the stored facial data reaches 100,000 individuals. Legal liabilities for violations of these measures are clearly defined.
Facial data is sensitive personal information, and its leakage can pose serious risks to individuals' safety and property, even threatening public security.
In response to concerns over the overuse and mandatory application of facial recognition — such as for hotel check-ins or residential community access — the measures emphasize the non-mandatory principle of the technology.
They specify that if alternative verification methods exist to achieve the same purpose, or meet equivalent requirements, facial recognition must not be the sole option. Individuals who refuse facial verification must be provided with other reasonable and convenient alternatives, unless otherwise stipulated by national regulations.
The measures balance development and security, safeguarding personal data while encouraging the application and innovation of facial recognition technology, said the official.
Source:Global Innovation