Millions of People, Millions of Cameras: The Controversy Surrounding Surveillance Density in Chinese Cities

The Nation is Full of Cameras

[People News] As surveillance systems continue to expand throughout China, a recent set of statistics regarding the number of urban cameras has sparked attention on social media platforms. Following the dissemination of this data, discussions about the density of urban surveillance have emerged. Some observers have pointed out that in certain megacities, the number of cameras is nearing the size of the resident population.

According to a report by Radio Free Asia, a collection of urban surveillance data compiled by the overseas social media account @cuichenghao has been circulating online. This data indicates that Shanghai has approximately 15.06 million cameras, Beijing around 11.16 million, Chongqing about 8.98 million, and Guangzhou roughly 7.35 million.

When compared to the population scale, many regions have entered a high-density category. For instance, in Shanghai, with a resident population of about 24.8 million, there are approximately 15.06 million cameras, translating to about 1 camera for every 1.6 people; in Beijing, there is roughly 1 camera for every 2 people; in Guangzhou, about 1 camera for every 2.5 people; and in Chongqing, about 1 camera for every 3.5 people.

Interviewee: Surveillance Encompasses Daily Life

Lu Jianrong, a resident of Taixing in Jiangsu, stated in an interview with Radio Free Asia that the number of cameras in the area has noticeably increased, primarily for two reasons: to impose fines and to maintain social stability. He explained, 'The government is trying to boost the economy by increasing revenue through fines. If you're not careful while driving, you could easily receive a ticket. Additionally, there is the aspect of maintaining stability. Some individuals are classified as key groups, while others, who are not in these key groups but still require monitoring, can all be seen through the cameras. For instance, I know of a person named You Yuelan and another named Huang Lanzhu. They have one camera installed at the entrance of their sixth-floor apartment, two downstairs, and one at the stairway. If you are categorised as a key stability maintenance personnel, there are usually more than one or two cameras at your doorstep. The same goes for resident Song Yixia, who also has cameras installed.'

According to the statistical data, the total number of cameras in the top ten cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, is nearly 80 million, with a concentration in megacities. Various studies estimate that the total number of surveillance cameras in China is in the hundreds of millions, spread across different settings such as public spaces, commercial facilities, and grassroots video systems.

Mr. Zheng, a resident of Shanghai, mentioned that he has been identified by the authorities as part of a 'key group' and that several cameras have been installed around his home, each corresponding to different management departments: 'There are three or four surveillance cameras around my house, including those from the municipal police, district police, community, street, and property management. There are several cameras monitoring my home, and it's quite normal to have cameras installed in your vicinity. For example, there are four or five cameras in front of my window, and another four or five at the back window.'

Mr Zheng stated that monitoring of relevant populations now encompasses daily activity paths: "From the moment you step out of your home to the main road, the surveillance is fully interconnected. People like us no longer need to report our movements in advance, unlike in the past when prior notification was required; they know where you are at all times, and privacy has essentially vanished."

Coverage of the Sky Net and Bright Eyes Projects

Public information indicates that the monitoring system of the Chinese Communist Party is built upon the urban "Sky Net Project," which involves the installation of cameras on roads, in communities, and in public spaces, all linked to a centralised management system under the Public Security Bureau. Concurrently, rural areas are implementing the "Bright Eyes Project," achieving connectivity through grassroots video systems. Currently, the number of cameras in China is estimated to exceed 700 million.

Mr Zhang, a scholar from Beijing, told reporters: "The integration of the urban Sky Net project with the extensive rural Bright Eyes project has allowed the surveillance system to extend from cities into rural areas, leading to a continuous expansion of coverage and a significant reduction in spatial blind spots."

International Comparisons and Historical Developments

Among the cities with the highest surveillance density globally, several Chinese cities rank prominently. Some citizens have noted that the monitoring system has not proven effective in cases of property loss in their daily lives. Mr Zhang from Tengzhou, Shandong, remarked to reporters: "If your car is scratched or stolen, the cameras can’t help; if a child goes missing, they can’t locate them either."

China's extensive deployment of surveillance cameras started in the mid-2000s. The initiative for 'Safe Cities' facilitated the introduction of surveillance into public areas; around 2015, the 'Skynet Project' accelerated this expansion; and around 2016, the 'Bright Eyes Project' was introduced, further extending the surveillance network to grassroots levels. Numerous international studies indicate that the cities with the highest number of surveillance cameras in the world are predominantly located in China. In recent years, human rights organisations have frequently raised concerns about the proliferation of these technologies.
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