Is China's facial recognition data for sale?

DW (English)

China operates over 700 million surveillance cameras, using facial recognition to identify individuals across the country. But with such vast data collection – who can access this information, and how is it used?

Transcript

00:00Cameras are seemingly everywhere in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.

00:06Estimates suggest that more than 5.7 million cameras are installed here,

00:11making it the most closely surveilled city in China.

00:14Facial recognition has become part of daily life.

00:17Whether you're taking the subway or paying for tickets, data is constantly being collected.

00:23This technology is now a core element of China's ever-expanding state surveillance system.

00:30For the Chinese government, facial recognition is key to maintaining stability.

00:39They want to know where anyone is at any given moment.

00:43That way they can detect potential gatherings early,

00:47allowing them, for example, to monitor any protests.

00:53Facial recognition cameras can track people's movements in public spaces.

00:58Some even record audio.

01:01Each citizen has a personal profile, filled with data.

01:05Face biometrics, iris scans, voice samples, even DNA.

01:11This data is stored by the government long-term.

01:19Often it's local governments and local police who store it,

01:23and then use it to track opponents, detect behavioral patterns, and solve crimes.

01:29The more personal data the state collects, the easier it becomes to identify individuals.

01:38But the Chinese government cannot guarantee data security.

01:42Reports show that the black market for personal data in China is booming.

01:46Millions of data sets are being traded.

01:48Everything from health and location data to biometric information.

01:53On one of these Chinese platforms, if I had someone's personal ID number,

02:00I could basically find their real-time location and facial recognition data for surprisingly little money.

02:08Often all it takes to access sensitive information is a connection to state networks or private company servers.

02:15Strict laws exist to prevent illegal data trading, but they're rarely enforced.

02:21And when state institutions stand to benefit, police and courts are more likely to look the other way.

02:27Respond or correcting States confirm sites be able to look the other way.

02:39Conclusion

02:51.

Category

Transcript

Recommended