Beijing has reportedly put a lid on Chinese data after reports by US think tanks exposed the extent of China’s data collection practices. The think tanks’ reports raised concerns about China’s surveillance capabilities and the use of data to monitor and control its citizens.
The reports are said to have prompted Beijing to restrict the export of Chinese data, limiting the access of foreign companies and governments to critical information. This move is seen as an attempt to maintain control over Chinese data and to protect it from foreign influence.
China has been investing heavily in data collection and analysis technologies, with the goal of creating a comprehensive data-driven surveillance system. The country has also been criticized for using this data to suppress dissent and violate human rights.
The reports by US think tanks have shed light on the extent of China’s data collection practices, prompting concerns about the use of data to monitor and control citizens. The move by Beijing to restrict the export of Chinese data highlights the government’s efforts to maintain control over this valuable resource.
As China continues to invest in data collection and analysis technologies, it is likely that the country will become increasingly protective of its data. The reports by US think tanks serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of data, both in China and around the world.
WSJ’s article explained that the think tank, Rhodium Group, had uncovered inconsistencies in Chinese economic data, including GDP and trade figures. These findings were published in a series of reports, prompting concerns among Chinese officials that the data was damaging the country’s international reputation and undermining confidence in its economic policies.
As a result, Chinese authorities began to tighten their control over the release of economic data, making it more difficult for outside analysts to access and scrutinize the information. The article noted that this move was part of a broader trend of increasing government control over information in China, which has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of independent analysis and transparency in economic data, and the challenges of achieving these goals in a context of government control and censorship.
