Hong Kong plans to install thousands of new facial recognition-enabled security cameras across the city, raising fears over mass surveillance in a region once renowned for its civil liberties. The city’s leader John Lee announced the rollout of a new “smart lampposts” system that will see tens of thousands of new multi-functional cameras installed on street lamps. The cameras will be equipped with facial recognition technology, as well as sensors to monitor air quality, traffic flow and weather conditions. Lee said the system would “strengthen the city’s security and disaster prevention capabilities.” But human rights groups have raised concerns over the privacy implications and potential for abuse, warning the technology could enable mass surveillance of Hong Kong residents and visitors. “The Hong Kong government’s adoption of biometric recognition technologies in public spaces is a regressive move,” said Amnesty International. “It risks further enabling a pervasive mass surveillance system in Hong Kong.”