Social Credit System (9)

 

The Chinese Social Credit System is a corrupt hierarchy system that creates government supported classism and discrimination. 

The overarching idea of this system is to monitor citizen's financial, social, and political activities in order to steer the economy and govern Chinese society. This idea was formally declared in 2014, however it can be traced back many centuries to the "warring states" period of China. Essentially, Chinese culture has been built off this simple, yet complex, application of classism. 

The first credit databases were developed in the mid-1990s, formally recognized as a banking credit registry system. Moving into 2004, Chinese President Jiang Zein endorsed the early social credit system. His endorsement mentioned creating a "well-rounded" and "socialistic" society in China. Throughout the early 2000s, additionally policies continued to be put in place, creating the system that monopolizes Chinese society today. 

Data is collected through educational, financial, and criminal records, as well as through general internet searches and social media. The more concerning collection of data comes from surveillance footage and new facial recognition technology. 

This data collection reminds me of our class topic of privacy on and offline in American culture. We have a similar system of data collection that, at further inspection, is an equal invasion of privacy as seen in China. While our government may not have a hierarchy system that uses this data as punishment, our online internet usage is not protected and can easily be manipulated by the government. As a society, it is important we are careful online to prevent a system similar to China's. 

The impact of this data collection results in a reward and punishment system used by the government. Those with high scores become top priority citizens and gain amenities like tax breaks, employment priority, and cheaper public transportation. Those with low scores may be denied permits, access to public services, and limited access to credit. As stated before, this system creates a social hierarchy almost impossible to deviate from unless you have the proper resources. 

Focusing on a more specific issue, citizens can be punished for criticizing or not serving the government. Similarly to the sedition acts our American government has implemented a few times, this criminalizes free speech. While free speech is not necessarily a protection in the Chinese government, it creates a lack of democracy within Chinese communities. Government plays a big part in how we interact in our society. Without the freedom to speak openly about our opinions, either to find like-minded people or learn different viewpoints, we cannot create a holistic society. 

In reflection on the Chinese government and policy, the Social Credit System does not surprise me. What does surprise me, however, is the similarities I find between their system and our government. Processes like data collection and unwarranted government surveillance concern me as I have further educated myself on the Chinese Social Credit System. I believe it is even more important that we as citizens participate in our local, state, and federal elections and educate ourselves on updating policies.