SZ hotels cancel facial scans for check-ins

Following Shanghai’s citywide ban on forced facial recognition for hotel check-ins, hotels in Shenzhen are adopting similar policies, but with less stringent requirements, Shenzhen Evening New reported.

A woman surnamed Lin who works in the exhibition industry is a regular customer of Shenzhen’s five-star hotels. On Sunday, she told Shenzhen Evening News, “During a recent check-in at a Shenzhen hotel, the staffer just informed me that the process was complete after providing my ID for verification. They skipped the facial recognition step that was previously mandatory.”

Lin appreciated this time-saving approach, adding that ID verification already helps confirm the identity of customers.

Several hotels across various districts in Shenzhen have confirmed that facial recognition is no longer mandatory for check-ins. Guests only need to show their ID cards for room access. A staff member at Lafonte International Hotel in Futian District said that guests are only required to present their ID cards. Macao and Hong Kong residents need mainland travel permits, and foreigners need to show the hotel their passports.

A local tour guide surnamed Chen also told the News that he had noticed the new measure. “Canceling facial recognition not only increases check-in efficiency, but also relieves my work pressure, which is a really good thing for me,” Chen said.

The initial motive behind implementing facial recognition in the hotel industry was to enhance security and convenience. However, these measures have since raised concerns about privacy infringement.

According to Xu Ruijuan, a lawyer with China Commercial Law Co., facial information constitutes sensitive personal data under relevant regulations. The collection and use of this data must have a specific purpose and comply with strict protection protocols.

Xu said that if alternative methods can verify personal identity, the collection of facial information may not be necessary. “Balancing security and privacy can create controversy. Safeguarding safety should not come at the expense of personal privacy,” Xu said, adding that canceling facial recognition at hotels aligns with current regulations and legal protections.