Beijing requires long-distance bus drivers to wear mood-tracking bracelets

Beijing authorities have ordered long-distance bus drivers to wear electronic bracelets with emotion-recognition technology to monitor their mental state. The story is reported by South China Morning Post.

The measure was initiated by the Beijing Public Transport Holdings Group. It is aimed at ensuring public safety.

Authorities have issued about 1,800 bracelets to bus drivers on routes that pass through provinces and along expressways.

The devices can monitor in real time body temperature, heart rate, respiration, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, sleep, and physical activity. They can also gauge the driver’s emotional state, including anxiety, and transmit the data to the transport company.

On 1 June 2022, authorities tested the devices on volunteers working in Beijing’s Tongzhou District and on several central routes.

Human rights groups expressed concerns about users’ privacy. They also said the bracelets could cause bus drivers “excessive distress” and potentially lead to discrimination.

Wan Tsunwei, Chief Legal Officer for Cybersecurity at Jingsh, said the decision apparently stemmed from the rising number of road traffic accidents.

“But one must consider whether it is really necessary to collect so much personal information from bus drivers,” she noted.

Wan Tsunwei also questioned whether there will be time to intervene if the bracelet detects deviations, even if it collects and transmits information in real time.

“Data can be used only subsequently, for accident analysis,” the expert added.

Associate Professor Calvin Ho Wai-lun of the University of Hong Kong noted that the bracelets’ accuracy may be a problem.

“It is necessary to consider the reliability of such devices with reports on emotion and health monitoring, because errors could lead to unwarranted stress and, possibly, unjust discrimination,” he said.

Beijing authorities introduced the measures just weeks ahead of the 20th CPC National Congress, which is due to take place on 16 October in Beijing. Officials nationwide have repeatedly urged minimising social risks ahead of and during the gathering.

In June, Chinese authorities used the anti-COVID infrastructure to prevent a protest.

In July, Chinese researchers developed an AI that “reads minds” of CPC members and determines their loyalty.

In November 2021, authorities in Henan province created a facial recognition system to monitor journalists and other “persons of concern.”

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