Tech firms help Chinese authorities launch real-name registration on public transport for coronavirus tracking
- New systems by tech firms Meituan and Dida require commuters to provide personal information before taking public transport in some Chinese cities
- The initiative is meant to help authorities track those who might have been in contact with individuals infected with the novel coronavirus
The systems, backed up by tech companies including Meituan Dianping and Dida Chuxing, require commuters to provide their personal information by scanning QR codes with their mobile phones before taking buses, trains and taxis. Those who refuse to register will not be allowed on public transport.
The systems could help authorities track passengers who could have been in contact with patients infected with the coronavirus through their trip history, although they may also raise concerns about privacy and data security.
Beijing-based Meituan launched its system for bus, train and taxi commuters last Thursday in Shenyang, capital of northeastern Liaoning province.
When boarding vehicles, passengers can scan a QR code using WeChat and authorise access to their contact information, according to Meituan’s post on its official account on WeChat on Sunday. It added that drivers and attendants will assist those who do not have smartphones or do not know how to use the system, registering their details manually if necessary.