China races ahead in public use of facial-recognition technology, for good or for ill

SHANGHAI – From toilet-paper dispensers to fast-food restaurants, travel and crime-fighting, China is taking the lead in rolling out facial-recognition technology. Advocates say it makes life easier, quicker and safer. Opponents say it is another example of how the Chinese government keeps a sinister and increasingly close eye on its 1.4 billion people. Shanghai and other cities have recently started deploying facial recognition to catch those who flout the rules of the road. Jaywalkers at some intersections have their images flashed up on a nearby screen for public shaming and must pay a fine of 20 yuan ($3) to have it removed.