ver the past decade, many Americans have voluntarily shared their private lives and personal information with the Chinese government through digital platforms and connected devices. They do so through cloud computing, mobile applications, and internet-connected security cameras, which create unprecedented volumes of sensitive personal data, some of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government.
TikTok is the most widely known example. Policymakers and experts have warned that its data practices and ownership structure create risks that user information could be accessed under Chinese law. The U.S. government has restricted its use on government phones and mandated divestment. Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute warns that large-scale personal data collection can create vulnerabilities for blackmail or coercion if such data is accessed by a hostile foreign government. Even lawful but private behavior could potentially be exploited.
Home security cameras should raise similar concerns. Many Americans have installed them inside their homes, including in private living spaces. A recent study found that six out of ten foreign apps originate in China, and many of them aggressively share user data, including messages and financial information. Cameras that are manufactured by or rely on software or cloud services operated by Chinese companies are subject to Chinese jurisdiction, raising serious national security and privacy concerns.
Chinese law permits authorities to compel companies to assist with intelligence and security work under certain circumstances. This creates an inherent risk that sensitive data could be accessed without users’ knowledge. Imagine military members gathering in the backyard, discussing last week’s exercises with Chinese intelligence literally watching them. It is a counterintelligence nightmare.
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