China's smart city plan to boost surveillance

China has announced a bold plan to establish 500 'smart cities' nationwide by the end of 2017. Using cloud technology and artificial intelligence, these cities will collect and centralise data on everything from transport and waste management, to pollution and crime. The government says smart cities will improve urban planning and boost the economy but critics say it's all about tightening control.

A man stands in front of the unmanned store's entrance, which becomes unlocked via facial recognition. Source: SBS