Taxi camera installation arouses debate
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However, lots of citizens have begun to question whether this kind of move is an invasion of privacy. Netizens have started heated discussions on online forums of Chongqing Municipality and Wuhu City.
Many citizens support this move.
Wang Yuanyuan, who works in a public institution, said the camera recordings will help those who left their belongings in the taxi.
Yao Aiqun said the installation of GPS system will regulate drivers' behaviors, preventing some drivers from tricking the taxi meter as it is connected with the central system. Moreover, if passengers forget their receipt, they can still find the taxi based on the information recorded by the GPS.
People who object to the installation of camera complain that they feel uncomfortable as their privacy was violated. Yang Yu, a college student in Wuhu City, said he felt as if he were being supervised when he took a taxi with an installed camera. "I think there should be a more humane way," he said.
Yao Aiqun said the video records will be saved for a month, and only reviewed to assist with the needs of management, dispute resolution, and search for lost property.
Wang Jun, a lawyer in Anhui Province, explained that taking a taxi is slightly different from taking a bus, subway or other public transportation. Because the passengers pay for use of the car within a specific period of time, they have an exclusive right of use.
"Whether using the taxi camera invades privacy or not depends on the use of the videotape, which means whether the owners of the videotapes release or use them for profit. Installation of camera in taxi requires more comprehensive regulations on monitoring the use of the recorded pictures." Wang Jun said.
