Policy designs for adaptive governance of disruptive technologies: the case of facial recognition technology (FRT) in China

Recent regulations introduced by the Chinese government regarding big data technologies are welcome to those long concerned about the risks associated with their rapid deployment. However, these changes are not sufficient to safeguard privacy and data security. More importantly, these policies may not have fully accounted for the disruptive nature of these technologies. In this paper, we examine the need and the potential of new approaches in policy design regarding disruptive technologies by examining the case of facial recognition technology (FRT) in China. We argue that adaptive governance provides a useful framework for future policy design. Regulatory sandbox approach, policy mix and stakeholder engagement are among key policy measures to overcome regulatory challenges.

Automated summary

The recent regulations introduced by the Chinese government on big data technologies are welcomed by those concerned about the risks associated with their rapid deployment. However, these changes are not sufficient to ensure privacy and data security, and may not fully consider the disruptive nature of these technologies. This paper examines the case of facial recognition technology in China and argues that adaptive governance provides a useful framework for future policy design. Key policy measures to overcome regulatory challenges include the regulatory sandbox approach, policy mix, and stakeholder engagement.