Authorities in Macau have banned automated teller machine (ATM) operators from offering cash withdrawal services to China UnionPay (CUP) customers if their machines are not fitted with the so-called “know your customer” technology.

The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) announced that starting July 4, 2017, holders of mainland China-issued UnionPay bank cards would only be able to withdraw cash in the city state at ATMs that allow face recognition verification.

Holders of Macao bank cards or cards issued by banks in other jurisdictions are allowed to “carry out ATM cash withdrawals as usual.”

The order came several weeks after the Macau government said it will require more intrusive and “Big Brother”-style security checks at ATMs. Holders of UnionPay bank card, particularly those from China, will have to scan their identity cards at ATMs and also pass facial recognition scans before they will be able to withdraw cash.