China using 'predictive policing' in Xinjiang region: HRW

[FarCenter]

NEW YORK (AFP) -
Chinese authorities are using big data and predictive computing power to flag and detain individuals deemed threatening in the western Xinjiang region, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.

According to the New York-based rights group, Xinjiang authorities are collating vast troves of information on individuals, often without their knowledge, and using this to identify targets to check up on.

The Xinjiang region has a mostly Muslim Uighur population, which has struggled with increasingly strict curbs on their faith, including bans on beards and public prayers.

"For the first time, we are able to demonstrate that the Chinese government's use of big data and predictive policing not only blatantly violates privacy rights, but also enables officials to arbitrarily detain people," Maya Wang, senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said in a statement.

"People in Xinjiang can't resist or challenge the increasingly intrusive scrutiny of their daily lives because most don't even know about this 'black box' program or how it works."

The data are collected under the "Integrated Joint Operations Platform," which pools information from individuals' bank records, legal past, computer details and other sources including security camera footage, HRW said.

http://www.france24.com/en/20180227-china-using-predictive-policing-xinjiang-region-hrw

On the other hand, this is the most effective way to fight terrorism, mass shootings, and riots.

[hedda_foil]

1. Pre-crime crimes.

[scarletwoman]

2. "On the other hand..."?!?!? I hope you're not serious!

In case you were actually serious, I must strenuously object.

These capabilities in the hands of the State will pretty much always be used to suppress legitimate dissent, and will rarely - if ever - be used to "fight terrorism, mass shootings, and riots."

Terrorism strengthens the State - the only reason to appear to "fight terrorism" is to impose increasing limits on the freedom of its citizens.

Mass Shootings - the only way to "fight" mass shootings is to limit the kinds and numbers of weapons in circulation. The State cannot surveill its way into the inner thoughts of gun owners. The number of gun owners needs to be severely limited, as well as the kinds of guns they are allowed to own.

Riots - Several elements to consider:

(1)This really depends on what you consider a "riot". Are you talking about surveilling sports fans to prevent them from getting drunk and running wild in the streets? Good luck with that.

(2)If you're talking about the idiot "Black Bloc" so-called anarchists who show up to break windows and shit during legitimate demonstrations, first determine how many of them are actually law enforcement undercover plants.

(3)And please bear in mind that authoritarian governments LOVE to characterize peaceful demonstrations as "riots" - I hope you know that.

There is no good to be had for ordinary people from governments having this kind of surveillance power. None.