Chinese police don high-tech glasses to nab suspects

BEIJING – The newest use of facial recognition technology has drawn concerns among human rights groups, with some Chinese police sporting high-tech sunglasses that can spot suspects in a crowded train station. In a scene reminiscent of the dystopian sci-fi TV show "Black Mirror," officers in the central city of Zhengzhou are wearing the digital shades amid the crush of travelers heading home during Chinese New Year, the busiest time for the country's transit system. Quoting the city police department, the state-owned People's Daily reported that so far the technology has allowed police to nab seven suspects accused of crimes ranging from human trafficking to hit-and-runs, as well as another 26 people who were using fake IDs. The system is part of China's efforts to build a digital surveillance system able to use a variety of biometric data -- such as photos, iris scans and fingerprints -- to keep close tabs on the movements of the entire population. The rapid development of the technology has triggered a demand for commercial applications as well, with gyms, restaurants and even public toilets getting in on the facial-recognition game. The special glasses are being used by four officers positioned at entrances to Zhengzhou's east station.