Chinese city ignites privacy fears with new rules demanding security cameras in massage parlours and public baths
Authorities in Chengdu say CCTV systems must be installed in various public venues to tackle crime
Chengdu authorities have ignited privacy concerns with new rules requiring public baths, massage parlours, teahouses, chess and mahjong rooms, and cinemas to install surveillance cameras in public areas.
The Chengdu Municipal People’s Congress endorsed the rules, which come into effect on March 1, to help tackle crime and improve security in the Sichuan provincial capital, the West China City Daily newspaper reported on Sunday.
The venues were blackspots for crime and needed to be covered by the city’s public surveillance network, according to the municipal congress.
Chengdu’s public security bureau said there were more than 17,000 of the venues in the city, of which 1,392 were entertainment facilities, and 14,260 were service centres such as massage parlours and saunas.
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But the official announcement of the new rules on December 31, raised privacy concerns among city residents.
Many of those who commented online said they were worried that surveillance footage from the cameras would be uploaded and shared online, and that the cameras would be placed in areas that were normally off limits such as toilets.