China’s panopticon: China’s invisible system keeps a nation controlled

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• January 24, 2022

Insight summary

China's surveillance infrastructure now pervades every corner of society, monitoring its citizens relentlessly. This system, bolstered by artificial intelligence and digital technologies, has evolved into a form of digital authoritarianism, infringing on civil liberties under the guise of public safety. The global export of this surveillance technology, particularly to developing nations, threatens to spread this digital authoritarianism worldwide, with implications ranging from increased self-censorship and conformity to potential misuse of personal data.

China's panopticon context

Pervasive and persistent surveillance is no longer the plot of science fiction, and panoptic towers are no longer the mainstay of prisons, nor are they as visible. The ubiquitous presence and power of China’s surveillance infrastructure is more than meets the eye. It keeps constant score and reigns supreme over its teeming populace.

The surge in China’s sophisticated surveillance capability during the 2010s has come under the international media spotlight. An investigation into the extent of the surveillance in China revealed that nearly 1,000 counties across the country had purchased surveillance equipment in 2019. While China’s surveillance system is not yet fully integrated nationally, great strides have been taken to fulfill its over-arching intent to eliminate any public space where people may remain unwatched.

With China’s strategic goal to achieve supremacy in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030, the evolution of surveillance into digital authoritarianism was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic under the guise of public health and safety, but ultimately, at the expense of infringing on civil liberties. China’s reputation for suppressing dissent within its borders has normalized censorship in the online space, but digital authoritarianism is more insidious. It includes constant surveillance of individuals and crowds through cameras, facial recognition, drones, GPS tracking, and other digital technologies while eliminating expectations of privacy in support of authoritarian governance.

Disruptive impact

The extensive collection of data, combined with precognitive algorithms and the pursuit of AI supremacy, have culminated in the means to police China’s populace to identify dissenters in real-time. It is envisaged that, in the future, China’s AI systems may be able to read unspoken thoughts, further entrenching an oppressive culture of control and fear and ultimately stripping human beings of their sovereignty and any shred of personal freedoms. 

The dystopian reality being cultivated in China is ready for export as it pursues global technological dominance. Many African countries have been outfitted with Chinese-made surveillance technology sold at discounted rates in exchange for access to networks and data. 

Unrestrained access to networks and data in developing countries and autocracies can prove onerous and permanently shift the balance of power in favor of China’s form of government. Democracies are not impervious to growing surveillance, given the growing monopoly and power of big tech companies. Critically, American policymakers are compelled to ensure that technological leadership in the West retains its lead on AI development and staves off the invisible, intrusive panoptic tower.

Implications of Chinese surveillance exports

Wider implications of Chinese surveillance exports may include:

• A rise in digital authoritarianism in nations around the world, especially in developing countries where privacy laws are in their infancy and digital surveillance infrastructure can be built into the foundation of these nations’ telecommunications systems. 
• A greater potential danger of data breaches that may leave the citizens of cities and countries utilizing surveillance technology vulnerable to the misuse of private information.
• The proliferation of smart cities, where surveillance technology becomes commonplace, becoming more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Mounting geopolitical tensions between China and the West as the pace of Chinese-made surveillance exports increases.
• A shift in societal norms, fostering a culture of self-censorship and conformity, reducing individualism and creativity.
• The extensive data collection providing the government with valuable insights into population trends, enabling more effective planning and policy-making. However, it could lead to an invasion of privacy and potential misuse of personal data.
• The growth of the tech industry, creating job opportunities and boosting the economy, while also raising concerns about tech dependency and cybersecurity.
• The push for a more disciplined society leading to a more efficient workforce, improving productivity and economic growth, but also resulting in increased stress and mental health issues among workers due to constant monitoring.
• An increase in energy consumption and carbon emissions, posing challenges to environmental sustainability, unless offset by advances in green technology and energy efficiency.

Questions to consider

• The export of China’s surveillance systems potentially expands the infringement on privacy and civil liberties. How do you think the US and other democratic countries should mitigate this risk?
• Do you think AI should have the ability to read your thoughts and preempt your actions?