A democracy watchdog group Freedom House has published a report indicating that China is exporting its internet policy and surveillance methods and tools to emerging market countries, essentially exporting a “digital authoritarianism” that could pose an existential threat to weak democratic governance around the world. The report suggests that countries have begun justifying the measures as efforts to prevent fake news and aid law enforcement, while in reality it is being used to violate human rights. The report claims that “Beijing has been on a clear charm offensive to woo government officials and media elites. Officials in Beijing hope to cultivate allies to follow its lead on global internet policy. While restrictions on internet freedom have been consistent for many yeas, China’s role is not new, but becomes a greater threat as technology allows governments to increase surveillance and censorship at a level not previously possible.
Source: China Is Exporting Its Digital Surveillance Methods to African Governments – Nextgov
