Chinese Hotels Abolishing 'Face Scan Check-In'... "Ban on Excessive Demands"

A 5-star hotel located in Beijing, China, has recently stopped requiring guests to provide facial scanning information. Until earlier this year, guests were not only required to copy and register their ID cards but also had to have their facial photos taken in order to complete the check-in process. A hotel official explained, "Previously, such information input was required due to COVID-19 guidelines," adding, "but it has now been discontinued."

The practice of 'facial scan' check-ins at hotels in China is gradually disappearing. As guests, including foreign tourists, expressed discomfort with the demand for additional information beyond ID cards, this change is being implemented as part of efforts to protect personal information and improve convenience.

Reporters are lining up to enter the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the Two Sessions were held last March. Each person’s face is recognized through a camera upon entry, and previously submitted information appears on the left screen. If there is no matching information, entry is denied. (Photo by Kim Hyunjung)

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According to reports from China’s First Financial Daily and others on the 2nd, hotels in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Nanjing no longer conduct facial scans before check-in. Compared to the past, when check-in was only possible after presenting an ID and having a facial photo taken, the process has been significantly simplified. It is known that, depending on the city, public security authorities issued 'prohibition' notices from late last year through recently, instructing hotels to cease this practice.

Dai Bin, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and director of the China Tourism Academy, announced plans to submit a proposal through the Two Sessions (National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) to limit the abuse of facial scanning at tourist sites.

According to the Shanghai Hotel Industry Management System, facial scanning of guests presenting valid ID cards is strictly prohibited, and refusing check-in on this basis is also forbidden. However, in the southwestern region, some hotels reportedly still require guests to have their facial photos taken on-site as a mandatory procedure.

Resistance to excessive personal data collection has recently been rising even within China. Article 26 of China’s Personal Information Protection Law stipulates that video collection devices and personal identification equipment must be installed in public places to maintain safety. However, the collected personal video and identification information can only be used for the purpose of maintaining public safety and cannot be used for other purposes without the individual’s separate consent. The First Financial Daily explained, "Facial scanning was first implemented in 2016 as a convenience measure for guests who did not bring their ID cards."

Zhao Huanyan, CEO of Huamei Hotel Consulting, stated, "The gradual cancellation of facial scanning reflects a greater focus on protecting guests’ privacy," adding, "It also helps improve customer experience and supports the recovery of inbound tourism."

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