Through what is called “social credit”, the Chinese government bars petty criminals, hindering activities such as buying travel tickets, accessing bank loans, issuing bonds or importing goods.
Authorities have experimented with “social credit” since 2014 in areas across China. Points are deducted for breaking the law or, in some areas, for offenses as minor as walking a dog without a leash.
An Associated Press report adds that; would-be air travelers were blocked from buying tickets 17.5 million times last year, while others were barred 5.5 million times from buying train tickets. In total, the report states that 128 people were blocked from leaving China due to unpaid taxes.
This measure, the ruling Communist Party says will improve public behavior.
Despite receiving negative criticism for the system, including U.S. Vice President Mike Pence remarks terming it “an Orwellian system premised on controlling virtually every facet of human life,” China authorities remain unbowed in their stance.
The ruling party says “social credit” penalties and rewards will improve order in a fast-changing society after three decades of economic reform have shaken up social structures.
The system is part of efforts by President Xi Jinping’s government to use technology ranging from data processing to genetic sequencing and facial recognition to tighten control.