China bolsters AI surveillance ahead of Tiananmen anniversary

Security cameras identify individuals based on face, physique and walking style

20190528N China security camera

Security cameras have been installed around Beijing and Shanghai since last fall, and could number as many as 200 million nationwide. © Reuters

TSUKASA HADANO, Nikkei staff writer

BEIJING -- China is using surveillance tools installed with the latest artificial intelligence software in a bid to clamp down on anti-government activism around Tuesday's 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.

Questioning the one-party state's view that it responded appropriately to the student-led protests of 1989 is among the biggest taboos in China. Officials heighten scrutiny on anti-establishment elements every year around this time.

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