The Chinese government has proposed an IT-based urban development model using data to track citizens as an international standard, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The proposal is based on its experience in preventing the spread of the new coronavirus by monitoring its citizens' behavior. The Japanese government, however, is increasingly concerned that the proposed "Chinese model," which tracks and monitors individual behavior in peacetime, may be standardized.
China proposed the model to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which certifies international trade standards. ISO standards are used as safety guidelines in international trade between companies, and are often utilized in bidding.
According to sources, China's national Standardization Administration proposed the urban development model to the ISO in late April as a framework for city administration using big data to control infectious diseases.
China appears to be considering establishing a system under which data can be obtained on individual behavior in advance, and to analyze the data using artificial intelligence and big data technology.
The proposal comprises four separate plans, including guidance for effective use of the data and a guideline for urban and regional health management. An ISO working group plans to hold a hearing on the proposal in mid-June. The ISO will vote on whether to proceed with the creation of an international standard for the proposed social infrastructure based on the use of information.
The Japanese government is concerned that China's proposal is based on collecting personal information not only during a crisis but also on a regular basis, as excessive monitoring of individual behavior could violate privacy. The economic division of the National Security Secretariat of the Japanese government will mainly deal with the issue, while the government will ask the Chinese side to provide concrete explanations through private organizations that study international standards. The government also plans to oppose a vote at the ISO.
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