ANTH 380 Final Paper
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Portland Community College *
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464
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Information Systems
Date
Nov 24, 2024
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6
Uploaded by ProfessorIceCat10
China’s AI-Powered Surveillance: Shaping Social Cohesion
The Militarization of Everyday Life
In an era driven by technological advancements, China has emerged as a significant
player in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its surveillance infrastructure. This paper
delves into the complex mechanisms through which China employs AI in its surveillance
apparatus to ensure social cohesion and control. Moreover, it explores the societal, ethical, and
political implications of China's extensive use of AI for surveillance, both for its citizens and the
global community. The insights presented aim to shed light on how this technological integration
shapes civil liberties, societal order, and the broader discourse on surveillance practices and
governance.
Introduction
China's rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled the country to
develop an extensive and sophisticated surveillance infrastructure. This essay aims to dissect
how China employs AI in its surveillance systems to ensure social cohesion and control,
exploring the multifaceted dimensions of this integration. Furthermore, it delves into the
implications of China's AI-powered surveillance for its citizens and the global community,
emphasizing the need for critical analysis and understanding of the broader impact. We will
review the following research questions: How does China employ AI in its surveillance
apparatus to ensure social cohesion and control? What are the societal, ethical, and political
implications of China's AI-powered surveillance for its citizens and the global community?
AI-Powered Surveillance in China: An Overview
China's AI-powered surveillance system encompasses an array of cutting-edge
technologies, with facial recognition technology as a cornerstone. This technology is prolifically
deployed in public spaces, enabling authorities to accurately identify individuals. The sheer scale
and scope of AI applications in China's surveillance are extensive, covering millions of cameras
across cities, transportation systems, and public places. Predictive policing, another vital
component, involves the use of AI algorithms to anticipate and prevent potential crimes,
contributing to the creation of a highly efficient surveillance network that aids in maintaining
social order and control.
China's rapid advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned it as a significant
player in integrating AI into its surveillance infrastructure, shaping the very fabric of society and
governance. This integration is multifaceted, involving cutting-edge technologies like facial
recognition and predictive policing, creating a surveillance network that profoundly influences
behavior and societal order. One crucial aspect of understanding this integration is
contextualizing it within the broader global AI landscape. This underlines how China's
AI-powered surveillance is part of a broader geopolitical landscape, stating, "The rapid rise of AI
in China is causing a shift in the global balance of power, particularly in geopolitics" (Brookings
Institution, 2022, p. 3). Kai-Fu Lee highlights China's AI capabilities, stating, "The four waves of
AI have given China a historic opportunity to lead in AI" (Lee, 2018, p. 191).
How China employs AI in Its Surveillance Apparatus to Ensure Social Cohesion and
Control
China's approach to utilizing AI in its surveillance apparatus is multifaceted and strategic.
The vast deployment of AI technologies, especially facial recognition, allows for widespread
monitoring of citizens. This facilitates the rapid identification of individuals, enabling law
enforcement to respond swiftly to potential threats. The scale of surveillance creates a sense of
omnipresence, fostering a climate where individuals are conscious of being observed. This
heightened awareness, in turn, influences behavior, promoting adherence to social norms and
rules. The integration of AI in predictive policing further fortifies the government's ability to
maintain order, as potential threats are anticipated and preemptively addressed.
Implications on Social Cohesion and Control
The implications of AI-powered surveillance on social cohesion and control are profound
and multifaceted. On one hand, this technology contributes to enhanced security and public
safety by swiftly identifying and addressing potential threats. The efficiency of the surveillance
network is undeniable, aiding law enforcement agencies in maintaining order. However, this
comes at the cost of privacy invasion and the perception of an omnipresent surveillance state.
Citizens may feel a loss of freedom and constant pressure due to the awareness of being under
surveillance, potentially altering their behaviors and actions. Striking a balance between security
and personal freedoms is a critical challenge stemming from the extensive use of AI in
surveillance.
Ethical and Human Rights Dimensions
The ethical implications of employing AI in surveillance are profound and warrant
careful consideration. The fundamental question arises: Does the end of enhanced security justify
the means of constant surveillance and potential infringement on privacy? The risk of data
misuse and unauthorized access to sensitive personal information is a prevalent concern,
necessitating robust ethical frameworks and legal regulations. From a human rights perspective,
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China's AI-powered surveillance raises alarms about the violation of fundamental rights,
including the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of movement. This
emphasizes the necessity of a careful ethical and legal framework to govern the usage of AI in
surveillance, ensuring the preservation of individual rights.
Global Implications
China's extensive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its surveillance
infrastructure is a development of paramount global significance. The widespread deployment
and apparent success of this surveillance model can significantly impact other nations,
potentially motivating them to follow suit and adopt similar AI-driven mechanisms to bolster
their own security and societal order. This, however, raises a spectrum of ethical, political, and
diplomatic concerns, particularly concerning the potential misuse and abuse of surveillance
technologies. It beckons the international community to come together in a constructive
dialogue, forming a collective forum to establish much-needed regulations that govern and
ensure the responsible and ethical utilization of AI in surveillance practices. This collaborative
effort is imperative not only for safeguarding fundamental human rights but also for maintaining
global stability amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The Interplay of AI and Surveillance: A Deep Dive
To comprehend the depth of China's integration of AI into its surveillance, Kaplan's
insights from “Drone-O-Rama” into the spatial and temporal dimensions of surveillance shed
light on how AI, akin to drones, alters the traditional boundaries of privacy and control. Kaplan
delves into the ways in which drone technology, a precursor to AI in surveillance, reshapes our
understanding of space and time in the context of warfare, stating, "Drones trouble the temporal
and spatial logics of distance warfare, making the urgency of now and the futility of delay
fundamental to the calculus of war" (Kaplan, 2017, p. 161).
Alex Pasternack's interview with Madiha Tahir in "Life in the Dronescape" provides a
real-world account of the impact of surveillance technologies on individuals and communities.
Tahir shares her experiences and insights into the lived reality of drone surveillance, stating,
"There is a sense in which, especially in places where drones are constantly flying overhead, they
become part of the landscape, part of the atmosphere, something you get used to but that you're
always aware of" (Pasternack, 2013). These perspectives shed light on the complex interplay
between technology and society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, China's utilization of AI in surveillance signifies a monumental
advancement at the intersection of technology and governance. While it holds the promise of
enhanced security and social order, the ethical implications and potential violations of individual
freedoms cannot be ignored. The global community must actively engage in discussions and
establish regulations to ensure responsible AI deployment, fostering a world where technology
aligns with ethical considerations and respects human rights. The implications of China's
AI-powered surveillance extend beyond its borders, urging a collective effort to shape a
responsible and just technological landscape. The integration of AI into surveillance is a defining
characteristic of our modern era, and understanding its implications is pivotal for ensuring a
society where both security and freedom thrive harmoniously.
Sources
1.
Brookings Institution. (2022). Geopolitical Implications of AI and Digital Surveillance
Adoption [Peer-reviewed scholarly article]. Retrieved from
2.
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/geopolitical-implications-of-ai-and-digital-surveillanc
e-adoption/
3.
Lee, K.-F. (2018). AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order
[Book]. Harper Business.
4.
Kaplan, C. (2017). Drone-O-Rama: Troubling the Temporal and Spatial Logics of
Distance Warfare. In L. Parks & C. Kaplan (Eds.), Life in the Age of Drone Warfare (pp.
161–177). Durham: Duke University Press Books.
5.
Pasternack, A. (2013, October 29). Life in the Dronescape: An Interview with Madiha
Tahir. Vice.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/jp5e8x/life-in-the-dronescape-an-interview-with-madiha-
tahir
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