Legal
China’s Views
China’s social credit system is government sponsored, making it legal. It is the Chinese government’s intention for the social credit system to enable them to have greater control over society both economically and socially. The social credit system is data driven meaning the government is able to tap into individuals private information in order regulate society.
The United State’s Views
Privacy is a privilege and something Americans should not take for granted. The United States has privacy policies put into place to help protect individuals. However, how many of us take the time to acknowledge the privacy laws we have in place ad in what ways we are protected? Below is a video comparing the privacy policies put in place in the United States and various nations:
Ethical
China’s Views
It can be premature to indicate the Chinese approval ratings of the social credit system. However, initial input has shown a range of opinions and outlooks. Interviews and polls have shown elite citizens who reside in urban environments and live a life worthy of higher income approve and are in favor of the system. They enjoy the many benefits they are able to receive. Below is a graphic representation of a breakdown of various citizens approval ratings:
Although many categories represent overall high approval ratings in general, some remain skeptical. Citizens worry about the fairness and transparency of the social credit system. Will individuals of higher power dictate and alter the results? Individuals who have a low score are seeing the negative effects of the system and how their daily lives are impacted.
The United State’s Views
Although many Chinese citizens are optimistic about their new social credit system, Americans have opposing views. Many Americans do not agree ethically with the idea of a social credit system. Americans do not feel a number or letter grade should represent an individual and impact daily life practices. Americans may claim they do not agree ethically with the idea of a social credit system, America has similar practice already put in place. For example, rating restaurants on Yelp or drivers on Uber, being able to like or dislike on social media, and being concerned with how many followers or friends we have on social media.
Moral
References:
Kostka, G. (2018, September). China’s social credit systems are highly popular-for now. Merics-Mercator Institute for China Studies.Retrieved from https://www.merics.org/en/blog/chinas-social-credit-systems-are-highly-popular-now
TermsFeed. (2018, February 25). Privacy Policies are Mandatory by Law. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=nqMK6An2S2A