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However, the Chinese population is little aware of the problem: the majority of the social system is even perceived positively by a large majority, as determined by a new study of Freie Universität Berlin. 49% of the 2209 respondents express their "strong approval", while 31% "agree".
Together, the online survey showed 80% approval. The result is surprising – but at least as interesting are the reasons why so many people still find these social control tools good.
According to the researchers, who also conducted individual interviews, there is a deep crisis of confidence in Chinese society, as also confirmed 76% of the survey. No one dares to over the other. New food scandals or defective vaccines are reviving belief in the ability of supervisors to protect people's lives from cheaters and other "bad" people. Corruption is widespread. The authorities are inactive. The communist system lacks an independent judiciary that can do justice.
"Because they feel that they can not trust anyone, many people are positive about the social credit system," says Professor Genia Kostka, author of the study. , the German press agency. It gives guidance, not only evaluates people, but also businesses. "Nevertheless, it is only the second best solution.
The government could work on better regulation and effective implementation." Trust could be created with effective authorities, the rule of law and effective control. "The government also has an interest in collecting this data," explains the professor. "It's about social control."
Chinese online giants, the world leaders in mobile payment systems via smartphones, are already collecting data on consumer behavior and the payment history of their customers. Thus, solvency is determined, so that the score of the respective friends also plays a role. "In the transformation in China, the credit system of banks and also the regulatory and legal system has developed too slowly," says the professor. "These are mistakes that have occurred in the process." Individuals have difficulty obtaining small commercial loans from banks. But on the loan arm Alibaba Sesame Credit or Tencent – based on the score of their social credit account.
Uncritical Report
The social points systems of the authorities, however, are mandatory. But they are only introduced in more than 40 pilot projects in the country. Again, a high score as a "good" citizen is needed to get the bank a loan at a normal interest rate for a home purchase. Point deductions are available for rule violations, traffic violations or late payment of bills. Critical comments on social media may one day lead some to slip into the rating system, warn critics. With donations or volunteering, the account can be reconstituted
Without a free press in China, there is little awareness or concern about abuses. "There are few critical reports in the state-controlled media," says Professor Kostka. The government sells the system with the argument of wanting to build trust. "The question then arises whether the public buys it simply because it replaces the wrong legal system." The majority also does not understand it as monitoring, but rather as a tool to "improve the quality of life" and "institutional".
The usefulness of online credit systems also paves the way for the system of political points. "There are more benefits today than there are disadvantages in the system – maybe people are trying to get people used to it and lure them," Kostka says. 80% of respondents, only 7% were part of their own knowledge of even less common social point systems of the authorities, and both systems already speak of how data can be linked.
, the communist state sneaks into the privacy of the Chinese. "People usually have to be controlled anyway," says Kostka. "Not so big is the leap that the government is collecting data in this way. "But leadership also involves educating their subjects.
Many respondents said they have changed their behavior or censored themselves online. Almost one in five (18%) share others content because it's part of a system social points, just as many have already split social media "pleasures" because their poor score could potentially reduce their own reliability.
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