The march of technology has, for the most part, introduced an entirely new range of threats to the many societies across the planet. Yeah, I get it…the tremendous improvements in every day life over the last 60 years or so is directly attributable to technology. Folk are living longer, better, and are more informed than ever before. Now it’s time to pay the piper.
They are dancing to the music in China. My guess is that the EU will soon follow the same path.
The digitization of information and the ability not only control access to it, but to also manipulate that information is so powerful that it can enslave entire nations and become a easily used utility in the hands of those that desire power above all else. Consider China. with a population of 1.3 billion souls and a government hell bent exercising power and authority over the population.
Imagine calling a friend. Only instead of hearing a ring tone you hear a police siren, and then a voice warning you not to deal with this person. That might put a real kink in your relationship. That folks is the whole idea.
In China you can arrive at the airport with the intent catch a flight and the clerk at the ticket counter turns you away. Not only are you publicly humiliated, you are forced to take a train or bus (if they will let you travel at all). The government knows all, sees all, and controls almost all of your life. In the opinion (if they could have an opinion) of some algorithm you are unworthy. You could be punished for any offense: a defaulted loan , criticizing some government figure or policy, spending too much time playing video games, having the wrong friends. The list is endless.
Technology in China is both the carrot and stick to brainwash and manipulate their population. Perhaps the all powerful algorithm decides to install embarrassing messages a ring tone on your phone to shame you every time you get a call or message. If you do not tow the line you are excluded from well-paid jobs, making it impossible to get a house or car loan or even book a hotel room. You’ll have your internet slowed, your children banned from attending good schools and could even have your personal information and profile posted on a public blacklist for all to see.
There are reports that those whose social credit score falls too low are preemptively arrested and sent to re-education camps. Not because they have actually committed a crime, but because they are likely to. The government claims that its purpose is to enhance trust and social stability by creating a “culture of sincerity” that will “restore social trust.” What it will actually create, of course, is a culture of fear and and ensure the compliance of the slaves population. Not to worry though, you can always improve your social credit score by reporting the misdeeds of your neighbor.