在公厕感受被摄像头支配的恐惧吧！Install a camera in the restroom, legal or not?
Chinese web users have engaged in heated debates over whether an educational organization should have installed a surveillance camera in the restroom, with a sign saying: "Please pay attention that you have entered a CCTV area."
The organization claimed on Monday that it has removed the surveillance camera.
An article published online on Monday that attracted a huge number of views featured a father surnamed Wang who lives in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province. He said a CCTV camera was used to monitor actions in a restroom at an educational company where his son takes a class every weekend.
According to Chinese Business View, Wang said though a partition door was available for each stall, he felt extremely uncomfortable with the camera there. However, he had to use the restroom despite it being unacceptable for him.
A staff member from the organization told the media that the restroom which has a camera is a unisex toilet, open to all students, parents and teachers, both males and females.
The staff explained two reasons for the installation of this surveillance camera.
The first is that the camera helps monitor those who might smoke there, which is banned. Before applying the camera, staff members found a cigarette butt in the restroom. Since the camera was installed, no one smokes in the restroom. Second, it can be used to prevent bullying among students and protect their safety.
As a response to those who say the camera is a breach of privacy, the staff said the camera is fixed and it cannot get a shot of people behind the bathroom partition door when the door is closed.
After installing the camera, the organization posted a conspicuous notice and informed students about it.
Lawyers held different views on whether the surveillance camera in the bathroom is legal or not.
Wang Yi, a lawyer at the Beijing Junzhi Law Firm, said the CCTV camera in the bathroom is operated illegally. The organization has no right to collect images and videos and violates privacy rights.
However, Zhang Wei, a lawyer with the Shaanxi Baoqun Law Firm, argued it is legal to install the CCTV camera as the restroom is a public place to some extent. He added the stall doors protect the people under surveillance while they use the toilet, so it is not a violation of privacy.
The growing use of surveillance cameras has generated debate about how to regulate their use and how to ensure citizens' privacy.
A web user with the online name Wenchuangke said that if it is reasonable for the educational organization to install a CCTV camera in the bathroom, why can't hotels install a CCTV camera in the bathroom? He said the organization's statement sounds ridiculous.
What's your view on the surveillance camera?
Editor: Zhang Xi
Intern: Zhong Wenxing
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