Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge to trial facial recognition e-channels
Quick Look
Hong Kong residents aged 11+ who are frequent users of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge can use new facial recognition e-channels from June 25, eliminating the need to stop or show ID.
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Why It Matters
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is a major infrastructure project connecting the three regions. The Immigration Department is implementing new technologies to streamline border crossings.
About 50,000 regular users of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will soon be able to pass through new immigration e-channels without stopping or displaying their identity cards, as facial recognition will be used for clearance.
Or Chung-yuk, assistant director of information systems at the Immigration Department, said on Thursday that Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above who were regular users of the bridge could use two new “seamless” e-channels from June 25.
“Users will not need to stop or display their identity cards during the process, bringing a seamless experience to their crossing,” Or said.
Residents who have arrived at or departed from Hong Kong’s clearance building at the bridge at least 10 times over the past 90 days can register to use the new e-channels starting on Thursday.
Or estimated that around 50,000 local travellers, accounting for around 20 per cent of all bridge users, would be eligible.
Two seamless e-channels have been installed in the Hong Kong border crossing departure hall. Unlike other existing e-channels, the new version has an open-gate design and a 4.9-metre-long walkway, with passengers not required to stop or present their identity cards when crossing.
Open Questions
- What are the specific security measures for the facial recognition system?
- Will this system be expanded to other ports of entry?
- What is the cost of implementing these new e-channels?
- How will the system handle potential errors or false positives?
