As of 2019, Chongqing had about 2.58 million surveillance cameras covering 15.35 million people, meaning about 168 cameras per 1,000 people and even higher than the number in Beijing, according to an analysis published in August by Comparitech, a website providing research on tech services.
Out of the top 10 cities in the survey, eight are Chinese with only London and Atlanta making an appearance from the Western hemisphere.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras can be seen almost everywhere in this mountainous city in southwest China. Whether it is to monitor traffic, prevent petty theft in restaurants and supermarkets, or monitor public safety in parks and shopping malls - you can be sure there is a camera following your every move.
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai already employ surveillance cameras plus AI and facial recognition technology to regulate traffic and identify drivers who violate road rules. While in Shenzhen, jaywalkers will not only be publicly named and shamed on large LED screens, they will also be notified of their wrongdoing and fined via instant messaging.
"It's better to have more surveillance cameras," said a cab driver Wu. "It gives people a sense of security and there are fewer crimes. It is really good."
After being a taxi driver for over three years, Wu recalls when a passenger lost her bag in his car. She did not remember his number plate but managed to find him after calling the local taxi management platform, which recognised Liu's car via surveillance camera footage. The passenger got her bag back within hours.
"You just do what you should do. It is not really relevant to privacy since they have not installed cameras in your home."
What is not in doubt is the boom for camera makers and security firms as a result of China's passion for surveillance.
Chen Yuan opened a convenience store in 2015 and installed five surveillance cameras inside his 60-square-metre shop. Four cameras take footage from different vantage points and there is another to monitor activity at night. If somebody tries to break-in, an alarm sounds and Chen also receives an instant text message.
"This system has helped me catch thieves several times. Even if I called the police [for theft], they would just file the case," said Chen. "There is little chance that I can get the cashback as it's a small case with little money involved."
Source: SCMP
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