Growing concern

Zhang Yiqun, 37, a Beijing resident who works for a technology industrial website, has been keeping a close eye on Guo's lawsuits.

He also voiced concern about facial recognition technology, with use of face scanners widening to include locations such as subway station entrances, residential compounds and hotel check-in desks.

"I understand and will accept the collection of facial information if it is used for national and public security, but I don't know why some vendors need to gather such data," Zhang said.

"The more personal details I provide, the greater the chance of them being passed on. I'm not sure whether those collecting the information, especially businesspeople and community management departments, can guarantee the security of my data," he said.

Zhang's concerns increased after China Central Television exposed a number of outlets, including internet platforms and shops, during an evening gala to mark Consumer Rights Day on March 15, accusing them of improperly or excessively collecting and using people's personal information.

For example, some employers at Zhaopin, a large online platform offering recruitment services, discovered they could access numerous job seekers' resumes if they became members of the platform. Many stores operated by leading bathroom brand Kohler were found to have installed cameras to gather consumers' facial data without their consent.

Kong Yiying, 32, who works for an advertising company in Guangdong province, said: "Scanning someone's face without their knowledge is too much. It's like theft.

"In my view, using facial recognition to pay online is much safer than any other method, but the user must get my permission. As a consumer, I've the right to know and choose who can collect my personal information."