Regulation Mandates Hotel Safety from Hidden Cameras in Guangdong Province

In an effort to enhance guest privacy, Guangdong Province in South China has enacted a regulation that mandates hotels to provide rooms devoid of hidden surveillance devices, such as cameras or recording equipment. This measure is a pioneering step, as it is the first of its kind in any province, ensuring that hotel operators are held accountable for the safety and privacy of their guests.

According to the newly established Article 9 of the Regulation on Security Management of the Hotel Industry, hotels are required to protect guest information and are explicitly forbidden from disclosing any surveillance footage. This regulation will come into effect on February 1, prompting various industry associations and hotels to initiate preparations for its implementation.

As part of their compliance efforts, numerous hotels have heightened their routine inspections, particularly during cleaning and pre-check-in procedures. Hotel staff are now trained to detect hidden cameras and utilize detector devices for this purpose. Moreover, initiatives are being launched to address the illegal manufacture and sale of surveillance equipment, following disclosures from the Supreme People's Court regarding several cases of such illicit activities. This highlights the ongoing commitment to a thorough crackdown on unauthorized surveillance practices.