December 10 was Human Rights Day. Bitter Winter celebrates it with four articles. The second is devoted to how high-tech surveillance is used to violate human rights.
Surveillance
Face Scans for Mobile Users – Expansion of China’s Autocracy
Facial recognition further invades people’s lives after the regime introduced mandatory facial scans for all new customers signing up for mobile phone contracts.
Doing Business with Hong Kong? Expect to Be Punished
Companies in mainland China are scrutinized and sanctioned, as the regime enforces “stability control measures” to offset the effects of the pro-democracy movement.
For Mobile Users in China, One ‘Wrong’ Word Means Punishment
A former employee of the largest state-owned telecommunications provider reveals how the regime is monitoring citizens’ calls and messages on mobile phones.
Enforcing ‘Social Stability’ Through Censorship and Propaganda
Amid the US-China trade war, the Chinese regime manipulates public opinion and imposes restrictions on citizens to evade adverse effects on its totalitarian rule.
Arrested for Listening to Foreign Pastors’ Audio Sermons
In the name of suppressing “foreign religious infiltration,” the Chinese authorities close down churches suspected of ties with abroad, harass believers.
“La Cina è vicina”: Chinese Police Roaming the Streets of Italy
Is China keeping its citizens in Italy, both tourists and asylum seekers, under watch? A chat between Bitter Winter and Alessandra Bocchi, a young journalist with a long experience of all matters Chinese.
CCP Tightens Measures to Stop Leaks of Its Repressions
The regime aims to conceal its devious acts by censoring online communication and classifying anything related to religious persecutions as top-secret.
Facial Recognition to Spy on People at Home, Quash Believers
Invasive high-tech surveillance equipment, installed even in public toilets, is used to monitor and control China’s residents every step of their way.
People of Faith Punished for Traveling Abroad, Even Years Ago
In the name of resisting “foreign religious infiltration,” the CCP prevents believers from going abroad and having any contact with overseas groups or individuals.