China begins facial-recognition ID checks for SIM card buyers

BEIJING -- Guidelines that require Chinese telecom carriers to use facial recognition technology on buyers of SIM cards kicked in on Sunday as the country cracks down on fraud, according to a report in Caixin.

Companies should use artificial intelligence or other measures on buyers to ensure they match the identification provided to purchase the SIM cards, according to a notice issued in September by the Ministry of Industry and Information.

Telcos must also ensure that the SIM cards aren't resold, and that they are bought from legitimate businesses. www.webershandwick.cn (ATI).