Expansion of China’s Surveillance System
The biggest digital surveillance network in the world is in China. There are tens of thousands of people who can’t move and are always being watched. A lot of systems were made using US technology. This participation brings up issues of ethics and responsibility.
There are cameras, databases, and predictive policing in the network. Authorities keep an eye on phone calls, purchases, and travel. Data goes into central systems for analysis. The goal is to find and stop dissent before it starts.
Technology from the United States at the Core
For more than 25 years, US businesses sent important tools to China. Companies offered servers, chips, software, and services in the cloud. These products ran police databases and systems for watching people. Exports kept going even though people were worried.
IBM, Dell, HP, Cisco, Microsoft, and Oracle were all involved in contracts. The technology they used was the basis for Golden Shield. This system blocked access to the internet and kept an eye on people who disagreed with it. Groups that work for human rights say this will have long-term effects.
Predictive Policing and Data Control
China’s system relied heavily on predictive policing. The tools looked at calls, payments, flights, and even how much water was used. Authorities used risk scores to find people to target. People were detained without going through normal legal procedures.
Uyghurs and other minorities were hit the hardest. In Xinjiang, millions of people were put into groups of high, medium, or low risk. Age, religion, or looks were some of the criteria. This kind of data-driven control made it possible to oppress a lot of people.
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Responses and Denials from Businesses
Companies often said they weren’t directly involved. They said they followed the rules for exporting. Some said they couldn’t stop people from using older products in bad ways. Others stressed the need to end contracts that were not clear.
But the marketing materials told a different story. Companies talked about features that help keep things stable and control crowds. Some even pushed for systems that recognize race. This goes against what people say about ethical standards.
Slowdown After Outrage Around the World
Sales slowed down after 2019 because of sanctions. Restrictions were put in place because people around the world became aware of abuse in Xinjiang. Still, contracts for maintenance kept coming in. Chinese companies changed by using US technology as a base.
Experts say there are still holes. Laws about exports often don’t keep up with new ideas. You can use general-purpose items for spying. Different industries don’t always follow the rules.
Global Implications of Surveillance Tech
The Chinese way of doing things is spreading around the world. Iran and Russia, for example, use similar systems. Now, surveillance tools are used against migrants and people who disagree with them all over the world. Human rights activists are worried about the trend.
The US also uses technologies like these. Tools keep an eye on protests and track migrants. Critics point out the dangers of unchecked growth. The power to spy on people threatens civil rights all over the world.
Calls for Accountability and Oversight
Investigations call for more careful examination of exports. Lawmakers want stronger enforcement of protections for human rights. Experts stress how important it is for businesses to be held accountable. There is still not enough openness in supply chains.
Advocates want clearer rules for the whole world. Technology should not facilitate oppression. Companies are told to think about the ethical risks. To stop future abuses, governments and businesses need to work together.
