Using facial recognition and AI, China has built a nearly inescapable high-tech surveillance network
Key takeaways
- A Chinese cybersecurity expert has revealed to DW details of China's new high-tech policing.
- He also found his own exact personal information lying dormant on this Chinese police watch list.
- "It was more interesting than shocking," NetAskari told DW.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
A Chinese cybersecurity expert has revealed to DW details of China's new high-tech policing. From ski resort facial recognition to seats on a train, the system can track anyone and compile a "holistic profile."
https://p.dw.com/p/5E7Oj A screenshot from China's surveillance software dashboard: 'Dynamic Management and Control Platform for Foreigners'Image: Net Askari Advertisement When a cybersecurity researcher known by the pseudonym Net Askari recently clicked on a tab labeled "Inquiry for journalist files" on an unsecured Chinese web dashboard, he expected to see a jumble of auto-generated mock data.
Instead, familiar faces popped up on the screen. It was a comprehensive database of almost every foreign journalist based in Beijing around 2021, including official passport photos taken at the entry/exit bureau, private cellphone numbers, visa details and dates of birth. He also found his own exact personal information lying dormant on this Chinese police watch list.