In contrast, the software in the new network selects the criteria according to which a range of punishments and rewards are distributed. It also requires an electronic signature and the seal of a prison officer on duty. Once the information has been processed by the system, it cannot be changed.

The system is further able to automatically select and filter a list of well-behaved inmates, without human interference, which minimizes the possibility of mistakes.

The monitoring network is connected to the court system for commuting prison sentences and the parole of inmates, laying the foundation for an online connection between the court and prison, said Ma Canyang, an official of the Huizhou prison administration office.

"Whether the evaluation is fair or not remains to be seen," Ma said.

However, Yang Gaofeng, a law professor at Guangzhou University, takes issue with the 24-hour monitoring network, because it violates inmates' privacy. "They may feel the days in prison are long," he said.

An official of the general affairs office at Huizhou prison said the court has already taken away some of the inmates' personal rights before they enter the prison.

"The 24-hour monitoring is to prevent unusual conduct and the violation of prison rules. It also helps protect inmates by preventing bullying," he said.