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Smart taxi meters spark controversy in central China

Xinhua, June 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

Taxis in a central China city have had smart meters that record audios and videos installed as the government fights frauds and scams which distress the public.

The meters have already been installed in some cabs in Zhengzhou City, capital of Henan Province, and will be in around 10,000 taxis by mid July, said Qin Lijuan of the city transportation commission. The equipment can print receipts, track the cab via GPS, read ID cards and records everything that happens inside the taxi.

The decision is an attempt to deal with the illegal taxi business, Qin said.

Passengers in China frequently complain about taxi drivers ripping them off or taking them on extended rides for extra charges. Protests fall on deaf ears as there is usually insufficient evidence.

Questions surround the legitimacy of the meters as they seem to invade privacy. Such equipment will inevitably make people feel uncomfortable because all conversation is recorded.

The transportation commission said the devices will be only handled by appropriate staff, and data will only be used as evidence in case of disputes. The information will not be publicized.

Wang Xiaofei, a Henan lawyer, said that the meters are legal because they are installed for public interests rather for private purposes. As for accusations of invasion of privacy, Wang said proper supervision should guarantee the integrity of passenger information.

He added that drivers should remind passengers about the devices and that notices should be displayed in their cabs. Endi