China sales of lifelike masks that can ‘turn you into a celebrity’ spark crime fears
- Some online shops boast hyper realistic silicone masks priced at US$3,400 can circumvent facial recognition technology
A burgeoning grey market in silicone masks that “can make you look like anyone, including celebrities” has emerged in China.
On the country’s largest e-commerce platform Taobao, the lifelike disguises are listed mundanely under the title “silicone mask” and appear to be simply the kind of fun prop used for costume parties.
However, a few more clicks and would-be buyers will find a promise that the masks are capable of transforming you into any celebrity for a price of up to 25,000 yuan (US$3,400).
One shop also claimed its products could help people pass “low-sensitivity” facial-recognition checks.
Dozens of such masks have been sold, according to statistics on the Taobao app. Taobao belongs to Alibaba Group, which owns the South China Morning Post.
In the comments section of one custom-made mask, a buyer posted a photo of her wearing a Professor Severus Snape mask, the character played by the late British actor Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter film series.
