Hong Kong mulls AI facial recognition-enabled drones to police smoking ban at construction sites, 39 fines issued so far
Authorities have issued 39 fines since a smoking ban at construction sites came into effect last month, with the Labour Department saying it is looking into equipping drones with facial recognition tools to better enforce the new law. Wan Chi-ping, the Labour Department’s assistant commissioner of occupational safety, said authorities have inspected nearly 1,400 construction […]
Hong Kong authorities have issued 39 fines so far since implementing a smoking ban at construction sites last month, according to the Labour Department. Assistant Commissioner of Occupational Safety Wan Chi-ping confirmed that the department has inspected nearly 1,400 construction sites. The inspection process employs drones equipped with infrared sensors to detect smoking, which typically occurs in the temperature range of 60 to 80°C.
While no fines have been issued based on drone detection, authorities are exploring the integration of AI facial recognition technology into the drones to enhance enforcement efforts. This integration is expected to take nine months to a year. The smoking ban is part of measures proposed by the government following the tragic Tai Po fire last November, which resulted in 168 deaths and displaced thousands.
The ban prohibits smoking at all construction sites, including those for repair, maintenance, or renovation, with offenders facing a fine of HK$3,000. Contractors are responsible for ensuring their sites remain smoke-free, facing a maximum fine of HK$400,000 for non-compliance.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
