An episode of Black Mirror may actually be turning to reality in China, where people's social media behaviour will determine their rights and privileges as citizens of that country.
As unbelievable as it sounds, it's no joke. This is actually happening very soon in China.
Reuters
According to two different statements posted on China's National Development And Reform Commission website,?the country will soon begin applying its infamous (and Black Mirror-esque) social credit system to flight and train travels.
The new rules which come into effect from May 1 onwards will?put people who?have committed acts like spreading false information about terrorism and causing trouble on flights, as well as those who used expired tickets or smoked on trains on the restricted lists, which will suspend their right to free movement.
Reuters
Just last month, we wrote about a pilot project being carried out by the Chinese police in the Zhengzhou province, where police officers were outfitted with special smart glasses, using facial recognition to catch criminals with warrants and people with false identities hiding among passengers at railway stations during the festive season.
China has signalled towards the roll out of this social credit score for a while now, designing a massive surveillance system that will allow government agencies to evaluate citizens’ trustworthiness and issue penalties based on their behaviour.
This is beyond scary!