China’s Surveillance State Is Selling Citizen Data as a Side Hustle

In recent years, China has become infamous for its extensive surveillance network that tracks the movements and activities of its citizens. However, what many people may not realize is that the Chinese government is also selling this data to third parties as a lucrative side hustle.

Through a combination of facial recognition technology, social media monitoring, and other means of data collection, the Chinese government has amassed a vast trove of information on its citizens. This data includes everything from individuals’ internet browsing habits to their physical movements and interactions with others.

With the rise of China’s tech industry and the increasing demand for data-driven insights, the government has found a profitable market for selling this information to companies and organizations both within China and abroad.

While the government claims that this data is being used for public safety and security purposes, critics argue that it represents a massive invasion of privacy and a violation of human rights.

Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential misuse of this data by authoritarian regimes or other entities for nefarious purposes. The lack of transparency and accountability in how this data is collected and shared only adds to these fears.

In recent years, there have been calls for greater regulation and oversight of China’s surveillance practices, particularly when it comes to the sale of citizen data. However, the Chinese government shows no signs of slowing down its data-sharing activities.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on data, the issue of privacy and surveillance is only becoming more pressing. China’s surveillance state serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked data collection and sharing.

Unless there are meaningful reforms and regulations put in place, the selling of citizen data as a side hustle in China is likely to continue unabated, posing a threat to the rights and freedoms of its citizens.