Dozens of cameras and associated equipment were taken down from a crossroads in Shanghai’s Baoshan District last week
The 74 devices were installed to test the equipment, according to Shanghai Baokang Electronics Company, which claimed ownership of them after local media reported residents’ complaints, Dongfang Daily reported.
Zhong Zhun, general manager of Baokang, admitted to Dongfang Daily that the company did not have official approval to set up camera testing spots in Baoshan District, although local authorities in Yangxing Town claimed that they were aware of the project.
According to Zhong, the company was running two experimental areas at the intersection, and researchers from Baokang’s software company BaoSight were stationed at the next intersection on Keshan Road to test the equipment’s stability and performance. He said that only 27 of the devices were cameras, and the rest were LED lights.
Zhong told the Daily that public information, such as photos and vehicle details, was neither being stored nor passed on to the traffic police. He added that Baokang had not known which office to apply to for written approval.
Netizens discussed the story online, with many commenting on the legalities of the issue. One Sina Weibo microblogger said: “Maybe the government bought too many, and just went ahead and installed them all!”
A second wrote: “We are being watched everywhere the minute we step out of our home.”
Internet users also made comments about the news via China Gate. “Someone somewhere wants commission for purchasing and installing cameras,” said one. “Local officials want to make money from installing a lot of things, and it doesn’t matter if it was necessary.”
Another netizen said: “Don’t worry, when the smog arrives, no camera can film anything.”
Research by Hsin-Yi Lin
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