Recently, the Supreme People’s Court implemented an interpretation regarding the liability for high-altitude object throwing as part of the Civil Code of China. This new regulation aims to address and clarify the responsibilities associated with such incidents, which have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Due to the difficulty in identifying the “thrower,” pursuing accountability has become a complex issue, presenting a significant challenge for social governance.
At the forefront of addressing this issue is the Urban Operations Center in Shanghai’s Jinshan High-Tech Zone. They have actively introduced an AI monitoring system designed for detecting and providing real-time alerts for high-altitude object throwing incidents, effectively revealing the source of these actions.
In an interview, Sun Yunxia, an employee at the Urban Operations Center, explained how the AI system functions. “Our technology employs multiple AI algorithms to quickly locate the source of any object thrown from above and alerts relevant personnel for timely action. The algorithm captures any object being thrown and generates warning images and videos. Additionally, we continuously improve the algorithm’s accuracy through system learning and corrections by our technical staff to ensure precise identification of throwing incidents.”
The AI cameras in place provide continuous 24-hour monitoring from a high angle, meaning they do not capture indoor scenes. Unlike traditional surveillance methods, these cameras do not record actively; they utilize a smarter trigger mechanism. “This system records only when an object is thrown. The monitoring data is strictly for investigating these incidents, and there are rigorous access controls on data storage to ensure resident privacy is not compromised,” Sun noted. Looking ahead, Jinshan High-Tech Zone plans to gradually extend these pilot installations in line with relevant laws and community needs while integrating the system into the Urban Operations Center’s monitoring displays for improved algorithm precision, ultimately protecting residents from falling objects.
In a broader context, China’s civil and criminal laws explicitly regulate high-altitude object throwing, particularly with the introduction of the crime of “throwing objects from height” in 2021. Offenders could face imprisonment, detention, or other penalties, reflecting the serious nature of this offense. Cheng Fei, managing lawyer at Shanghai Huying Law Firm, commented on this legal framework: “High-altitude throwing poses significant social dangers, and the law has imposed strict regulations against it. However, in practice, the greatest challenges stem from evidence gathering and identifyings the throwers. The AI system addresses these challenges and enhances legal deterrence. It provides immediate feedback, letting potential offenders know that their actions will be swiftly detected and severely punished.”
