Cybersurveillance in China will grow

Significance

Introduction of a government-run online ID system is officially aimed at better protecting users’ data privacy and rebalancing their relationship with online platforms. However, questions have also arisen over its use for surveillance and control, as well as the government’s capacity to maintain the system’s security.

Impacts

• The system is currently voluntary: the extent of user adoption will provide a clear signal about trust in government.
• The application’s roll-out will find broad support from online commercial platforms and government service platforms.
• Organisations will need to factor into their security risk planning potential heightened surveillance hazards.