A Chinese tourist visiting Beijing encountered an extensive identity control system that utilizes big data and facial recognition technology to monitor public spaces in the city. During his five-day trip, he had to undergo security checks six times and scan his national ID card 15 times, as shared on social media. The tourist highlighted the pervasive nature of ID checkpoints at tourist sites, subway stations, and various public areas, disrupting the travel experience.
The system of identity control in Beijing is rapidly expanding, incorporating advanced technologies to track movements across the city. Security checks and ID verifications have become routine for individuals in Beijing, with subway stations conducting bag inspections and many locations mandating ID scans linked to personal data systems. Notably, certain groups face even stricter scrutiny under this system.
Individuals, including petitioners, have noted an increase in surveillance and checks in Beijing. A woman surnamed Li, who frequently petitions regime authorities, highlighted the heightened scrutiny she faced during her recent visit. Petitioning, meant for addressing grievances, often leads to dismissals by authorities, raising concerns among human rights groups regarding civil liberties in China.
The stringent monitoring extends to key individuals, with some flagged as “key persons” facing potential detainment and handover to local authorities. The system operates through a combination of physical security checks and digital surveillance, impacting individuals’ movements in public spaces. Concerns have been raised about the privacy implications and the broader shift towards data-driven social control in China.
