# Hong Kong Deploys AI Facial Recognition in CCTV Surveillance Network New AI-powered surveillance system aims to enhance tracking of suspects and missing persons. - **Source:** [Maeil Business](https://www.mk.co.kr) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fac28bf8-dcf6-492b-8201-43a171cebf76 ## AI Surveillance Expansion Hong Kong is integrating AI-based facial recognition into its existing CCTV surveillance network this month. The initiative aims to significantly enhance the tracking capabilities for missing persons and criminal suspects. By automating video analysis, the police force intends to accelerate initial investigation speeds and optimize the deployment of human patrol officers. ## Dual Operational Modes The system operates through two primary functions: historical path tracking and real-time alerts. Officers can input facial features to search past footage for specific movement patterns or set up automated notifications. When a target is detected by a camera, the system immediately alerts authorities, facilitating rapid response in critical public safety situations. ## Strict Authorization Protocols System access is tightly regulated, requiring approval from officers at the rank of inspector or above. Usage must strictly align with national security, crime prevention, or public safety objectives. Furthermore, police must justify the proportionality of the camera scope and video volume used for each specific investigation to ensure operational transparency. ## Data Retention Policies Original video footage is stored for a maximum of 31 days to manage storage resources. However, metadata generated by the AI facial recognition feature will be retained for up to 180 days. This distinction allows for longer-term investigative analysis while maintaining compliance with the established data management and privacy protection frameworks. ## Public and Private Integration The Smart View project currently utilizes cameras in public spaces operated by government departments. Future plans involve expanding this network to include high-traffic private facilities, such as shopping malls and residential areas. All operational procedures were developed following privacy impact assessments and consultations with the relevant personal data protection authorities in Hong Kong. ## Ambitious Infrastructure Goals The Smart View project aims to install 60,000 cameras across Hong Kong by 2028. The system already incorporates AI for crowd counting and automated license plate recognition. As of late last month, this technology has played a critical role in solving 2,192 criminal cases, including murder, arson, and theft, leading to 2,831 arrests. ## Efficiency Through Automation Police officials noted that tracking suspects previously consumed vast amounts of human labor. By automating the identification process, the force effectively gains additional personnel for other investigative tasks. This shift represents a strategic move to leverage technology for force multiplication, allowing officers to focus on complex duties rather than manual video review. ## Future Regulatory Outlook The integration of real-time alerts highlights the growing importance of advanced video security solutions in public safety. While the technology offers significant investigative advantages, the long-term success of the project depends on strict adherence to privacy regulations. Compliance levels regarding data handling will remain a key variable in the program's future expansion. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.mk.co.kr/news/world/12200284 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._