China Facial Recognition Measures
In force China · In force Jun 1, 2025 · no upcoming deadlines
Deadlines
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Sets rules for using facial recognition to process face data in China. Handlers need a specific purpose and necessity, separate consent (guardian consent under 14), a prior impact assessment, local storage on the device unless consent or law allows otherwise, and a non-face alternative. Handlers storing face data of 100,000 people or more must file with the provincial CAC within 30 working days.
- Who it applies to
- Personal information handlers using facial recognition technology in China. Pure R&D and algorithm training are excluded.
- Penalties
- Handled under the PIPL and other laws; PIPL fines reach RMB 50 million or 5% of prior-year turnover for serious violations.
- Enforced by
- CAC and Ministry of Public Security
- Official name
- Measures for the Security Management of Facial Recognition Technology Applications
- Citation
- CAC and MPS Order No. 19
- Topics
- biometrics, privacy
Verified 2026-09-25 gov.cn
Research notes
Adopted by CAC on 2024-09-30, signed 2025-03-13, published 2025-03-21. Face recognition devices may not be installed in private spaces such as hotel rooms and changing rooms.
Related
Questions about China Facial Recognition Measures
- What are the China Facial Recognition Measures compliance deadlines?
- Jun 1, 2025: Facial recognition measures take effect.
- When does China Facial Recognition Measures take effect?
- China Facial Recognition Measures took effect on Jun 1, 2025.
- Who does China Facial Recognition Measures apply to?
- Personal information handlers using facial recognition technology in China. Pure R&D and algorithm training are excluded.
- What are the penalties under China Facial Recognition Measures?
- Handled under the PIPL and other laws; PIPL fines reach RMB 50 million or 5% of prior-year turnover for serious violations.