Hong Kong launches facial recognition tech for entry to street in border town
Chung Ying Street is inside restricted border town, with revamped checkpoint aimed at speeding up clearance for workers and residents
Hong Kong authorities have launched a facial recognition pilot scheme to allow permit holders to enter part of a restricted town on the border with mainland China without showing any documents.
No 2 official Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who officiated the opening ceremony of the revamped Chung Ying Street checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok on Monday, said authorities hoped to improve efficiency for those living and working there.
“Through this [facial recognition] pilot scheme, we hope to use innovative technology to replace manual checks and provide convenience to people going in and out the checkpoint,” the chief secretary said.
“This can raise the checkpoint’s capacity in handling commuters and showcase Hong Kong’s level of digital technology as an international metropolis.”
A permit is needed to enter Chung Ying Street, a shop-lined avenue jointly governed by Shenzhen and Hong Kong authorities. Most permits are held by those living there or working in its stores.
The street is part of the Sha Tau Kok border town, which has been closed off to most outsiders since the 1950s as part of colonial government efforts to combat illegal immigration, smuggling and spies.
