Facial recognition scanners pop up in Xiamen

The technology is also being used to speed up check-in procedures at the city's bus station and hotels.

Two facial recognition machines were installed at the entrance to Wucun bus station in August. 

Before having their luggage checked, passengers now have their identity checked by standing before the facial-recognition machine and scanning their ID card. Previously, staff at the station would check passengers' ID cards and tickets by hand.

Wang Fang, a staff member at the station, said the machines have helped alleviate their working stress and can better ensure passengers' safety.

At the Xiamen Huaqiao Hotel, a facial-recognition check-in machine was installed in the lobby. 

Customers can complete the check-in procedure themselves within 30 seconds, whereas previously hotel staff would need several minutes to check guests' ID cards and complete the registration process manually. 

A staff member at the hotel noted that those who have lost their ID cards or hold a fake ID card cannot use the machine.

A customer uses a facial-recognition machine to complete check-in procedures in a lobby at a hotel in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

According to a report by Xiamen News Online, wearing light make-up or going through micro plastic surgery will not affect the function of the facial recognition technology.

However, an expert noted that people should be aware of the potential safety risks of facial recognition technology, as some hackers are trying to attack the system and steal the "faces" it stored.

Zhang Lichao, a product director of a tech company, reminded readers that we should better not post our facial information on the internet.