Say cheese! Beijing uni uses facial scanning to register students

Beijing Normal University (BNU) has started using facial recognition software to register new students.

The scanning booths were unveiled on Sunday, the first day of the new semester.

After scanning a student's face, a digital photo with their name, ID number and course is created. Students can share the digital photo online with family and friends, and can also print it out for free.

The university is set to finish scanning all students' faces by Tuesday.

Among other uses, the facial identification tech will be used to control access to student dormitories. Students will be required to swipe their cards and use facial recognition to gain access.

If they forget their ID cards, they can speak their names into the machine, which also has a sound recognition function, or enter their student ID and password.

Then they still have to scan their faces to gain entry.

"I heard about the face identification system just a few days ago," said Lu Jiabao, a third-year master's degree student at BNU.

"It will be convenient if we forget to bring our student cards because we will be able to get in by scanning our faces," Lu added.

Ma Liang, a doctoral student said the newly installed system will increase security. "People who don't live in the building will not be able to get in even if they have student cards," Ma said.

(CHINA DAILY)