Hong Kong's Police to Triple CCTV Cameras by 2028, Adding Real-Time Facial Recognition
Hong Kong is expanding its police surveillance camera programme, with plans to increase the number of CCTV cameras from nearly 4,000 to 60,000 by 2028. This includes the use of real-time facial recognition technology, confirmed by Security Chief Chris Tang for as early as the end of 2025. The programme, known as SmartView, has already solved over 400 cases and led to 787 arrests since its launch.
The expansion of the programme comes despite concerns about potential abuse of power and lack of effective oversight. Hong Kong's police have not been subject to adequate monitoring by independent watchdogs, raising worries about the use of AI technology. The European Union has banned real-time remote biometric identification systems in public spaces for law enforcement, with some exceptions. Hong Kong's privacy watchdog has not confirmed if it was consulted in the expansion of the surveillance camera programme. Artificial intelligence is being used to monitor crowds and read licence plates, and will be applied to track criminal suspects.
The expansion of Hong Kong's police surveillance camera programme, including the use of real-time facial recognition, is set to significantly increase the number of CCTV cameras in the city. While the programme has shown success in solving cases and making arrests, concerns about potential abuse of power and lack of independent oversight persist. The role of Hong Kong's privacy watchdog in the planning and implementation of these programmes remains unclear.
