No. Filming police officers in China is prohibited under the 2021 Public Security Administration Punishments Law and Cybersecurity Law, with enforcement tightening ahead of the 2026 “Smart China” surveillance rollout. Unauthorized recordings may trigger detention or fines under Articles 24 and 42, while state security laws criminalize dissemination of such footage.
Key Regulations for Filming Police Officers in China
- Article 24 of the Public Security Administration Punishments Law (2021 Amendment): Prohibits filming or photographing police officers during “public security incidents” without prior approval from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) or local public security bureaus (PSBs). Violations may result in administrative detention (5–15 days) or fines up to ¥10,000.
- Cybersecurity Law (2017) & Data Security Law (2021): Requires explicit consent for recording individuals in “key information infrastructure” zones, including police stations or border areas. Unauthorized uploads risk criminal liability under Article 283 of the Criminal Law for “illegal information gathering.”
- State Security Law (2015) & 2026 Compliance Shifts: The State Security Bureau (SSB) monitors foreign-linked footage under “national security” pretexts. Local PSBs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xinjiang now deploy AI-driven facial recognition to flag unauthorized recordings in real time.
Practical Compliance Note: Journalists or NGOs must secure MPS-issued press credentials and written consent before filming. Domestic platforms (e.g., Weibo, Douyin) auto-censor clips featuring police, per 2023 Internet Content Governance Guidelines. Foreign entities risk asset freezes under the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law for non-compliance.