This episode of The Looking Glass follows the rise of digital authoritarianism through China’s use of technology for mass surveillance, including the use of biometrics, artificial intelligence, and big data.

We discuss the export of digital authoritarianism to other parts of the world, the role of democracies in providing a better use case of technology, and technology’s relationship with human rights.

Joining us in this episode is Maya Wang. Maya Wang is the associate director in the Asia division at Human Rights Watch. Wang has researched and written extensively on the use of torture, arbitrary detention, human rights defenders, civil society, disability rights, and women’s rights in China. In recent years, her original research on China’s use of technology for mass surveillance, including the use of biometrics, artificial intelligence, and big data, has helped galvanize international attention on these developments in China and globally.

This episode was produced by Abena Oduro and hosted by Kosi Ogbuli.

Here are some links to reports/articles referenced in the conversation:

• Where Are the Techno-Democracies
• China’s Techno-Authoritarianism Has Gone Global

Remember to leave 5-stars and share with a friend!