China's first systematic regulation on public security videos comes into effect, banning cameras in hotel rooms
Global Times By Du Qiongfang Published: Apr 01, 2025 11:37 PM China's first systematic regulation on surveillance camera management came into effect on Tuesday. Through requirements such as banning the installation of cameras in hotel rooms and public bathrooms, and prominent signs must be set up in places where there is a surveillance camera, the rule aimed at better protecting public safety, personal privacy and information. Legal experts believe that the newly enacted regulation will clarify various issues encountered in the collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, disclosure and deletion of video and image information in public places. In recent years, public security video and image information systems have played a crucial role in maintaining social order, preventing and combating crimes, and advancing social governance, whereas issues such as redundant construction, unauthorized installation of cameras, and the arbitrary collection, leakage, and misuse of video and image information have occurred from time to time, posing risks to public security, personal privacy and the safety of personal information, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. In order to better protect personal privacy while safeguarding public security, the State Council formulated the regulation which comprises 34 articles and came into effect on April 1. The regulation explicitly prohibits the installation of image collection devices in certain areas. According to the regulations, the installation of cameras and related facilities inside guest rooms or private compartments in hotels and restaurants is prohibited. Additionally, the installation of cameras is banned in student dormitories, public bathrooms, washrooms, changing rooms, fitting rooms, and other areas where it is possible to photograph or eavesdrop on the privacy of others, read the regulation. According to Liu Weijun, professor of science of investigation from People's Public Security University of China, the regulation urges the government to strengthen overall planning, avoid redundant construction, and organize relevant departments and management entities to build the system according to the relevant standards. Meanwhile, the regulation imposes strict limitations on the entities responsible for installation, and prohibits other unrelated entities and individuals from constructing public security video systems. Moreover, the regulation also specifies that the construction of video systems near military restricted areas, military management areas and other sensitive units must obtain the consent of the relevant authorities, Liu told the Global Times on Tuesday. According to Liu, the public will be reminded that they have entered a video surveillance area and they can report installed cameras to the police if there are no clear signs displayed. After the implementation of the regulation, actions such as livestreaming the video signals from public image collection devices or posting collected content online without the consent of those involved will be subject to stricter legal regulations, the People's Daily reported on Tuesday. The regulation will also serve as a supporting legislation for China's Personal Information Protection Law to refine and specify how to implement the personal information protection law, Guo Bing, a legal professor at Zhejiang Sci-tech University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. NEWSLETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list