hong kong protests in june

Hong Kong Protesters Take Down ‘Smart Lamps’ Amid Growing Fears of Chinese Surveillance Tech

The pro-democracy demonstrators have used several tactics to avoid being identified through facial recognition technology, including masks and laser pointers.

As conflicts between Hong Kong protesters and police have escalated into violence in recent days, pro-democracy activists are not only fighting for universal suffrage and an end to police brutality. They are fighting to protect their identities amid fears that the Hong Kong police force, and the Chinese government that oversees it, will use facial recognition technology to find and arrest protesters. 


Last Saturday, those concerns came to a head when a group of protesters targeted “smart lamps” that the local government says are used to collect data on traffic, weather and air quality. There are about 50 smart lampposts installed around the city, all of which have cameras and sensors, CNN reported


Although the Hong Kong government maintains that the lampposts do not have facial recognition software, demonstrators attempted to tear down and dismantle some of them during a night that turned violent, with police firing tear gas cannisters at protesters. Thirty-two people were arrested for weapons possession, assault of police and unlawful assembly, according to CNN. 


The activists have been vitally concerned about privacy and surveillance since protests in Hong Kong broke out in earnest in June. In the 12 weeks since, many protesters have attempted to thwart facial recognition technology regularly deployed by the Chinese government through homemade masks that obscure their faces if they are caught on camera. 


Their techniques include medical and gas masks paired with goggles, which sometimes are taped over with reflective tape. Umbrellas are used to provide coverage for people who are drawing graffiti or other activities illegal in Hong Kong. 


“People tend to experiment a lot in protest movements,” Gavin Grindon, an academic who curated a 2014 exhibition on objects used in protests, told CNN. “It’s often the simple solution -- the quick solution -- that’s the elegant and effective one.” 


A protester told CNN that she was afraid of being arrested for crimes she did not commit if she was identified on video surveillance footage: “We need to hide ourselves so if we get caught on camera, we’re safe.” 


The protesters are also attempting to hide their digital identities from authorities as well. Most organizing takes place on the app Telegram, which uses encrypted communication, and demonstrators typically use single-way subway tickets and new SIM cards rather than tying those products to their real names, CNN reported. 


In recent weeks, activists have also employed laser pointers to confuse facial recognition software and fry lenses. Hong Kong authorities and opthamologists worry that the lasers could cause permanent damage to the eyes of officers and protesters. 

 

"Pointing at eyes, the beam can cause permanent blindness; flashing at skin, it can cause burns since the energy is high. When harassing eyes, it can lead to blurry vision for a while," Chow Pak-chin, an ophthalmology specialist told CBC News.

 

 

 

The clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement do not seem to be on the road to de-escalation: police drew guns and used water cannons on Sunday night as activists blocked streets and others threw bricks at officers.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.