U.S. tech giants exposed as key players in China's digital authoritarian regime
In a groundbreaking investigation led by Associated Press reporter Dake Kang, the use of American technology in Chinese policing and its potential role in human rights abuses has come under scrutiny. The investigation, which spanned over a year, resulted in a detailed and nuanced cross-format package that included an online video, video animations, a photo gallery, and a presentation for APNews.com.
The relationships between US tech companies and Chinese authorities were established through cooperation between the Chinese state-owned enterprise Huadi and IBM. This collaboration played a significant role in the development of China's surveillance technology, particularly in the Xinjiang region, where predictive policing was incorporated to reinforce the Communist Party's rule.
The AP team sought sources in a dozen territories across three continents, including current and former executives, officials, officers, and engineers from China. American tech firms, including IBM, were found to have partnered with Chinese police and state-owned defense contractors to design China's surveillance systems.
The investigation uncovered classified Chinese government documents revealing American companies' involvement in China's surveillance systems since the beginning. The AP team faced challenges due to widespread fear and surveillance in China, with one interview leading to a meeting with Chinese officials.
Videojournalists Nathan Ellgren and Manuel Valdes played a crucial role in the investigation, with Valdes making a three-hour drive to Vancouver to get a much-needed expert on camera. The AP team's efforts resulted in a comprehensive exposé, raising questions about the ethical implications of American tech companies' involvement in Chinese surveillance and human rights abuses.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving verification, analysis, and reporting by AP reporters and freelance journalists, including Yael Grauer and Myf Ma. The findings underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the tech industry's international partnerships.
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