China Introduces Mandatory Facial Scans for Phone Users

A screen shows visitors being filmed by AI (Artificial Inteligence) security cameras with facial recognition technology at the 14th China International Exhibition on Public Safety and Security at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing on Oct. 24, 2018. Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese regime has introduced mandatory facial scans for people seeking to open a new phone account, in another measure as Beijing tightens control of cyberspace.

From Dec. 1, telecom operators are required to collect face scans of those applying for a new cellphone or landline number. The rule was announced by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in September.