How and why is the use of biometric technology developing in China and how is this development affecting privacy in contemporary Chinese society?

Abstract

The dissertation investigates the evolution and repercussions of biometric technologies in current-day China, primarily on privacy and human rights. Using interviews and secondary literature review, it investigates the extent to which facial, fingerprint, and iris recognition have become more embedded in everyday life, government, and commerce. While these technologies enhance access, efficiency, and security in the daily lives of people, they also pose a risk to privacy and the use of data for unethical purposes. The dissertation compares Chinese privacy laws, especially the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), with laws in the EU, such as the GDPR, to show that governmental laws and regulations provide little actionable legal recourse. Finally, the dissertation makes the case for stronger laws and a need for greater public awareness of these increasing gaps in legal protection. The dissertation frames the rapid expansion of biometric technologies in its context and makes the case for a careful balance of the advancement of technologies and the rights of citizens to protect their privacy.