Mandatory Facial Recognition Will Be Restricted in Certain Places Starting June 2025
Beginning June 1, 2025, certain uses of facial recognition technology will no longer be allowed in China. This follows the release of the new Administrative Measures for the Security of Facial Recognition Technology Application—jointly issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security.
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Officials from the CAC highlighted that the use of facial recognition is closely tied to personal information security and is of high public concern. To standardize its application and better protect individuals' rights, the new measures lay out comprehensive rules and responsibilities for entities processing facial data.
Key Requirements of the Regulation
Legal and Ethical Compliance: Use of facial recognition must adhere to relevant laws, respect public ethics, maintain professional integrity, and avoid infringing on national security or individual rights.
Strict Data Handling Rules: Facial data collection must have a clear, necessary purpose. Organizations must:
Inform individuals clearly before collecting data.
Obtain explicit, informed, and voluntary consent—especially for minors under 14, which requires guardian consent.
Store facial data within the recognition device itself, not transmit it online (unless otherwise regulated).
Limit storage time to only what's necessary for the original purpose.
Conduct a personal information protection impact assessment before implementation.
Security Standards for Usage
Alternatives Must Be Offered: Facial recognition cannot be the only method of identity verification if other options exist.
Preferred Verification Channels: Organizations are encouraged to use national population databases and certified online identity systems.
Prohibition of Coercion: No entity can mislead, trick, or force individuals into using facial recognition.
Public Spaces Regulation: Use of facial recognition in public spaces must serve public safety, with clear signage. It is strictly prohibited in private areas like hotel rooms, public restrooms, changing rooms, or bathhouses.
System Safeguards: Organizations must implement encryption, access controls, audit trails, and intrusion detection to protect facial data.
Supervision and Reporting Obligations
Any entity storing facial data of 100,000 or more individuals must register with local cyberspace authorities within 30 business days. Oversight will be coordinated among CAC, public security departments, and other relevant agencies through information-sharing mechanisms.
Source: 中国新闻社
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