A controversy has erupted as Chinese hot spring visitors are being live-streamed on personal internet broadcasts.
JiMu News reported that customers’ activities were broadcast live from the Yushui Hot Spring Museum in Changzhou, China. The livestream lasted for approximately 4 hours on the 19th and showcased visitors in their swimwear without their consent. There was no procedure to obtain their agreement.
Even more, there were comments on the broadcast including evaluations of the visitors’ appearances. Ms. Sun who was in the video said in an interview, “I was walking around in a bikini and it was broadcasted plainly. They were evaluating other people’s looks and body shapes. This is illegal. It’s an invasion of privacy.”
It was reported that the broadcast included a link to sell hot spring entrance tickets. Ms. Sun questioned whether the hot spring side had conducted the broadcast for promotional purposes. She criticized, “Shouldn’t they protect the privacy of consumers? Would other people come if this happens”.
A hot spring official stated, “There could be profits made through the link, but we did not bring in the broadcaster”. The official continued, “The area in the video is an outdoor public space where customers can carry their phones, and we have no right to prohibit filming or broadcasting. We are cautioning people on-site not to cause harm to others. We will strengthen management as soon as possible”.
The platform that hosted the broadcast announced that they had issued a warning to the broadcaster. Local authorities are reportedly investigating the matter after receiving a report.
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