Group 1 - The event "Personal Information Protection Regulations Policy Promotion Activity" was held in Guangzhou on July 9, focusing on the challenges of personal information protection in the digital age, particularly regarding the safety of facial recognition technology applications [1][3] - The event was guided by the Guangdong Provincial Internet Information Office and co-hosted by various organizations, attracting over a hundred representatives from government agencies, research institutions, enterprises, and social organizations [1][3] - The promotion aims to shift enterprises from "passive compliance" to "active empowerment," enhancing user trust and market competitiveness through regular dissemination of regulations and policies [3] Group 2 - Experts provided detailed interpretations and on-site Q&A regarding the "Personal Information Protection Compliance Audit Management Measures" and the "Facial Recognition Technology Application Safety Management Measures" during the event [3][6] - The importance of adhering to principles of legality, necessity, and minimization in facial recognition technology applications was emphasized, along with the need for companies to conduct personal information protection impact assessments [3][6] - The audit process for personal information protection must maintain independence and objectivity, focusing on the legality and compliance of personal information processing activities [4][6] Group 3 - The event aimed to support the development of Guangdong as a leading region in personal information protection, enhancing the quality of economic and social development [6] - Attendees noted that the event provided valuable action guidelines for understanding the underlying logic and operational pathways of personal information protection work through case analysis and regulatory comparisons [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing convenience of medical insurance settlement through digital means, particularly the controversial push for facial recognition technology in pharmacies and healthcare facilities, which has raised concerns about privacy and compliance with legal standards [1][4][10]. Group 1: Convenience of Medical Insurance Settlement - Medical insurance settlement is becoming more convenient, evolving from physical cards to electronic codes and now to facial recognition for payment [1]. - The push for facial recognition is part of a broader digital transformation aimed at facilitating access for elderly and less tech-savvy individuals [4][10]. Group 2: Issues with Mandatory Facial Recognition - Reports indicate that some pharmacies and community health service stations are requiring patients to use facial recognition, with claims that it is a new regulation [3][4]. - Complaints have emerged from various regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai, where patients have been told that they cannot proceed without facial recognition [4][10]. Group 3: Performance Metrics and Pressure on Healthcare Workers - Some healthcare facilities have set hard targets for the usage rate of electronic medical insurance codes, linking these metrics to employee performance evaluations [4][10]. - A healthcare worker revealed that if the electronic medical insurance code usage does not meet the required percentage, it could negatively impact their performance assessment and financial incentives [10]. Group 4: Legal and Ethical Concerns - The practice of mandatory facial recognition is legally questionable, as it violates regulations protecting sensitive personal information [10][11]. - New regulations emphasize that facial recognition should not be the only option available and that patients must be informed and give explicit consent [10][11].