China’s subways embrace facial recognition payment systems despite rising privacy concerns
- Since the service began trials in September, nearly 200,000 commuters in Zhengzhou have elected to authorise face-scan payments
Cities across China have been trialing face recognition payment systems for their subway networks. Now Zhengzhou, the capital of northeast Henan province, has become the first to roll out the technology on a wide scale.
Starting Tuesday, local commuters can board and exit any of Zhengzhou’s subway stops using an optional face scan, according to a report in the Henan Daily.
The roll out comes as China is pushing the AI-enabled technology into all walks of life, from catching wanted criminal suspects and preventing ticket scalpers to saving public toilet paper and checking on class attendance.
Since the service began trials in September, nearly 200,000 commuters in Zhengzhou have elected to authorise face-scan payments using a local metro service app, according to the report.
While Zhengzhou is among dozens of Chinese cities to introduce such trials, it is the first to deploy the service across its entire subway network. Last week, Beijing started a trial of fast track security checking by face scan at one of its subway stations.
Face scan payment means commuters do not have to carry cash or use stored-value metro cards and smartphones, making it a hands-free process, especially convenient if they are carrying luggage or are with children.