Face-recognition technology may be used at Hong Kong border checks

Nov 12, 2009, 2:50 GMT

   Hong Kong - Face-recognition technology might be used to screen residents at Hong Kong border checkpoints, Security Secretary Ambrose Lee said Thursday.

   The wealthy city of 7 million already uses fingerprint checks to allow permanent residents to pass through unmanned checkpoints using ID cards at its airport and land border crossings.

   Now the city is considering introducing face-recognition technology similar to that being put into use at Beijing's international airport, Lee said in a written answer to legislators.

   Lee said Hong Kong's Immigration Department would 'examine the feasibility of the introduction of facial recognition technology' in a forthcoming review of its systems.

   Facial-recognition technology uses high-tech cameras that identify a person by their distinguishing features and is already used in some closed-circuit television systems in shopping centres and public buildings in China.

   The widespread use of facial-recognition technology in CCTV systems as well as border checkpoints has raised concerns among human rights groups that it could be used to monitor dissidents within China.

   Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997 under a 'one country, two systems' arrangement that guarantees political freedoms. It maintains border controls between the city and mainland China.