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.
The new regulation states that business operators should install the cameras only in public areas such as car parks, venue entrances, fire exits, corridors, and cashier areas.
It also states that all footage must be kept for at least 30 days. It cannot be edited, copied, or used for other purposes.
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The regulation also requires business owners to have at least two security staff for the first 200 square metres at massage parlours and public baths, with one security officer for every additional 200 square metres.
Business owners would be fined between 2,000 yuan (HK$2,385) and 10,000 yuan and ordered to suspend operations for up to three months if they tried to cover up a crime or security breach, the report said.
Responses from microbloggers were mixed. While some said people would feel safer with more surveillance, others questioned the effectiveness of the cameras.
“I support Chengdu’s regulation,” Weibo user Jiejie Baobei said. “Giving illegal activities and thieves nowhere to hide will safeguard public safety.”
But another said: “What’s the use of installing [the cameras]? They are only for show.”
