Growing backlash in China against A.I. and facial recognition

Chinese authorities may already be signaling there's a need to take a tougher stance on facial recognition technologies. Citing the case of Zao, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said it's necessary to "strengthen the security assessment of new technologies and businesses" and guard against "network fraud and other hidden dangers," according to CNBC's translation of its statement on social media platform, WeChat. From a professional standpoint, it's impossible for face-swapping technology to pose a security threat to facial recognition payment, Zao said in an online statement Tuesday. If Zao sparks greater scrutiny on the security of facial recognition, Chinese authorities may tighten further in this area. China's delayed implementation of regulations -- intentional or not -- has helped some major technology companies flourish.