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Can data be used to harm other people? The reality is that in some parts of the world, it is already being used to trial increased surveillance and fuel oppressive social systems. This is a clear indication that technology will only ever be a reflection of the human hands responsible for its creation and maintenance.\xa0

In this episode, Alexander McCaig and Jason Rigby discuss the social implications of China\u2019s authoritarian hold on its citizens\u2014particularly its military-industrial complex\u2019s creation of a three-billion US dollar supercomputer satellite center in the country\u2019s Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site.\xa0

Despite the official statement claiming that this enormous tech site will be used as part of a \u201cmassive constellation of commercial satellites\u201d that can \u201coffer services from high-speed internet for aircraft to tracking coal shipments,\u201d we think it pays to be a little critical of the difference between what\u2019s being reported\u2014and what\u2019s being done.

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China has been the subject of widespread criticism after it announced the development of a social credit system in 2011. This system builds on a mass surveillance structure of more than 770 million cameras installed across the country as of 2019, with expectations that it will eventually hit the one billion mark by the end of 2021.

The social credit system is used to score individuals and companies based on a collection of data from different sources. Individuals are rewarded for appropriate social behavior, such as proper conduct on mass transportation systems and adherence to waste sorting rules in their city.\xa0

Conversely, they will be punished for \u201cnegative behavior\u201d which can include elderly residents suing family members for not visiting regularly (Shanghai); cheating in online video games (Suzhou), failing to show for reservations at hotels or restaurants (Suzhou); and failing to pick up any take-out food that was ordered (Suzhou).

Individuals with poor credit scores will face restrictions on loans, transportation, and even education. As part of the system\u2019s effort to encourage good behavior, some local governments offer incentives to those with a higher credit score. These people will be prioritized in health care provision, and can even waive deposits to rent public housing.\xa0

Businesses are required to submit data on their operations and on their partners and suppliers. Their credit score can be influenced by their behavior and ratings from their suppliers.\xa0

Finally, individuals and businesses that are deemed \u201cuntrustworthy\u201d will be publicly named and shamed.

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A society where human behavior is closely controlled and dictated by the state, through the latest technological capabilities, sounds like the plot of a dystopian sci-fi novel like George Orwell\u2019s 1984\u2014but this is already the reality for more than a billion individuals and 28 million companies in China.

What are the implications of the social credit system? Critics are quick to point out that the government is using incomplete or inaccurate data to determine the provision of social privileges, and sometimes rights, for their own citizens.

The implementation of a stable credit system is also dependent on the strength of basic services, such as regulation in the credit industry and data protection. Those with lose credit scores may find it difficult to continue to progress in society, particularly if there is no concrete policy that can support their rehabilitation or reintegration.

Lastly, in a world where we have yet to fully account for all the factors that contribute to how and why we make decisions, this could easily turn into a system that disproportionately punishes people and businesses who are already struggling.\xa0

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Beyond 1984, the hit television series Black Mirror also showed a glimpse into a society where people are controlled by their data. One of their episodes, entitled Nosedive, draws viewers into a world where everyone\u2019s social status is controlled by the quality of their ratings on social media. A series of unfortunate events that are outside of the protagonist\u2019s control have a massive impact on her credit score, which in turn cripples her socioeconomic status.

These important pieces of media and literature highlight how the agnosticism of data, alongside the impact of human intervention, can drastically change the impact of technology. It is our responsibility to ensure that AI is developed with a conscientious hand, and that it is capable of empowering minorities instead of widening the inequality gap.

Humanity\u2019s thirst for innovating new and exciting ways of harnessing technology compels us to participate in a shared initiative: one that will help preserve our free will, personal autonomy, and human rights.\xa0

The TARTLE platform is our life\u2019s work toward ensuring that your personal data remains personal. Everything you share is given with your full consent, and we help you connect to other like-minded individuals and organizations who can represent your interests. www.tartle.co

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Tcast is brought to you by TARTLE. A global personal data marketplace that allows users to sell their personal information anonymously when they want to, while allowing buyers to access clean ready to analyze data sets on digital identities from all across the globe.

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The show is hosted by Co-Founder and Source Data Pioneer Alexander McCaig and Head of Conscious Marketing Jason Rigby.

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What's your data worth?

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