New Regulations, Effective April 1, Aim to Safeguard Privacy and Strengthen Penalties
China has announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal surveillance, including a ban on hidden cameras in hotel rooms, dormitories, public restrooms, and changing rooms. The new regulations, effective from April 1, 2024, seek to protect personal privacy while enhancing public security. Hotel and dormitory managers will be required to conduct regular inspections and immediately report any concealed cameras to authorities.
The regulations come in response to growing concerns over voyeurism and privacy violations, with high-profile cases sparking widespread public outcry. The new rules prohibit the installation of surveillance devices in locations that could be misused for illicit activities, such as eavesdropping or filming without consent. Providers of public security systems will also be instructed not to install software that could enable malicious activities, and clear warning signs must be displayed in camera-installed areas.
Violators of these regulations face fines of up to 20,000 yuan (approximately US$2,700) and could risk losing their business licences. Individuals guilty of voyeurism or unauthorised surveillance will be prosecuted under criminal law.
Earlier this year, Guangdong province became the first in China to mandate hotel responsibility for hidden surveillance devices, enforcing stricter inspections by hotel staff using camera detectors. Such measures have sparked relief among many residents, particularly women who fear being filmed without consent in public spaces.
Chinese netizens have expressed strong approval of the new regulations. On the Sina Weibo platform, users have highlighted the importance of these measures in curbing violations that have impacted countless individuals. One user remarked that the new rules were long overdue, emphasising their potential to bring about real change. Another user stressed that official enforcement would hold perpetrators accountable, preventing them from evading responsibility.
As the global issue of voyeurism continues to grow, particularly in South Korea, China’s efforts to combat hidden surveillance are seen as a much-needed step forward in the protection of personal privacy and security.
