Beijing’s underground system is planning to introduce 'bio-identification' technology including facial recognition in what it says is an effort to streamline passenger flow through its stations.

Beijing Subway, the operator for most stations in the city told state-controlled newspaper China Daily that facial recognition cameras will be installed alongside palm scanning systems to increase efficiency.

However, the move is likely to alarm rights groups who have been tracking the rise of facial recognition tools in China that they fear are being used to consolidate state surveillance powers.

The network of facial scanners in stations across Beijing would be able to distinguish between individual passengers’ facial features and then track them through the capital city’s transport network. Passengers who attempt to board the metro without paying would be recognised and recorded as soon as they entered the station.

Also included in the plans are palm scanners that would replace the need for tickets. Passengers would have their personal information recorded to their palm-prints and be able to top-up their credit before passing through ticket gates.