Shenzhen to legislate against secret cameras in public places

Have you ever found a camera in the hotel room or fitting room? Are you afraid of your privacy being invaded in public bath room or nursing room?

If you are currently dwelling in Shenzhen, there is no need to worry about that anymore because Shenzhen has taken the lead to release a draft of regulations on public security cameras in the above-mentioned places and other private spaces.

[Photo: Nanfang Daily]

At present, the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Public Security Video Information System Management Regulations is still in its draft form soliciting public opinions until March 28th.

The draft stipulates that the video system shall not be installed in hotel rooms, wards, medical exam rooms, dormitories, public bath rooms, restrooms, fitting rooms, nursing rooms and other places that people’s privacy rights might be infringed upon.

The individual violators will be punished with a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 RMB, which the companies or institutions will face a penalty of 10,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB and the involved directors also 2,000 to 5,000 RMB. If the violation is considered a crime, the suspect will be dealt with in accordance with other related laws.

However, apart from the entrance, exit gates and key areas, more cameras will be properly got set in residential compounds, renovated urban village districts, hospitals, schools and farmer’s markets in consideration of increasing security concerns.

The video systems have proven to be very useful in crime reduction by providing important evidence and data to police. It is crucial to the building of social security prevention and control systems, according to the Standing Committee of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Congress.

Yet, they can also be misused illegally and inappropriately. As a result, people’s personal data or right to privacy is at great risk of being exposed and violated.

Therefore, the regulations aim to strengthen the protection of people’s privacy right and personal information.

Author | Fanny