Hong Kong's Massive Camera Expansion Raises Political Concerns
Hong Kong is set to install 60,000 cameras by 2028, a significant expansion in surveillance technology. This move comes amidst concerns about political misuse and the growing influence of Beijing.
The planned installation is substantial compared to many European cities, but less comprehensive than in Chinese cities like Beijing. By mid-2017, Beijing had an estimated 176 million cameras, with the number doubling since then. In Hong Kong, tens of thousands of these cameras will be equipped with AI facial recognition software.
During protests in Beijing, facial recognition cameras have proven effective in identifying and summoning protesters within days. China justifies this extensive surveillance for law enforcement and crime prevention, with a deterrent effect observed in many eastern Asian cities. Beijing alone has at least 1.2 million cameras, with over 50 facial recognition cameras often seen in a 200-meter stretch. Freelance journalist Fabian Kretschmer suggests that the additional cameras in Hong Kong aim to detect any potential mobilization early.
The expansion of surveillance in Hong Kong, with 60,000 cameras planned by 2028, raises concerns about political misuse and early detection of mobilization. While the impact on daily life may not be immediate, the potential implications on civil liberties are significant.
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