The Daily The Chinese Surveillance State, Part 1
May 6, 2019
Paul Mozur, a technology reporter for The New York Times based in Shanghai, delves into China’s extensive surveillance state under President Xi Jinping. He examines the oppressive methods used against the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang, showcasing the impact of facial recognition technology on personal freedoms. Mozur highlights the contradiction of China's rapid tech advancement alongside authoritarian control and discusses how this surveillance model is influencing global governance, posing challenges for democracies worldwide.
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2009 Xinjiang Riots
- Tensions in Xinjiang escalated in 2009 after rumors of Uyghur workers assaulting a Chinese woman led to a factory fight.
- This incident sparked widespread rioting in Urumqi, resulting in the deaths of around 200 Han Chinese.
Surveillance and Control
- China's surveillance aims to control the Uyghur population through constant monitoring and data collection.
- This data fuels the justification for sending Uyghurs to re-education camps.
Kashgar Surveillance
- Cameras are ubiquitous in Kashgar, even inside mosques, tracking worshippers and individuals.
- Constant ID checks at various locations create a comprehensive map of people's movements.