It is now mandatory to have Quick Response codes for tools such as household ironware, gas tanks, and power tools. Failure to comply leads to punishment.
In Xinjiang, authorities have now taken up another measure through which they aim to “maintain social stability.” They are now forcing residents to get QR codes (an optical label that is used to detect or track) for almost everything they use. A QR code is mostly found on the commercial packaging of a product.
Additionally, every cutting tool must be attached to an iron chain before it can be used. In some places, authorities demand that the owner’s ID card number should be engraved on some tools as well.
In April, during an inspection, authorities demanded that a shop-owner in Ili Autonomous Prefecture ‘s Nilka county secured her cutting tools with iron chains and etched codes on her power tools and gas tanks. She chose to ignore the orders, but during another inspection later on, she was harassed for not following the directions and was threatened to be taken to a “transformation through education camp.”
In July, something similar transpired with another shop-owner. Police officers were making a surprise visit and demanded to imprint codes on welding and cutting machines as well as electric drills and other repair tools. If the shopkeeper failed to do so, the devices would be seized and prohibited from use.
Reported by Li Zaili
