China’s mandatory health-tracking app has become a controversial tool in the hands of Chinese authorities. By displaying a “green code” or a “red code,” the app determines if individuals have the freedom to travel or if they must immediately self-isolate or enter quarantine. However, recent reports suggest that these color codes are being used as a means of controlling dissent and protesting.
A CNN report detailed how locals in Henan province, who were planning a protest at a bank due to frozen deposits, discovered that their health codes had suddenly turned from green to red. This incident raises concerns about the app’s potential for manipulation and political control.
The Global Times, a Chinese state propaganda outlet, attempted to justify the use of the health code by stating that it serves as a technical measure to ensure public health security. However, the app’s use for epidemic prevention purposes seems to extend beyond its intended scope.
China’s zero-Covid policy, aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, has resulted in frequent localized lockdowns that have severely impacted the economy. In fact, the country experienced a significant slowdown in economic growth during the second quarter of this year, marking its second worst three-month period since 1992.
It is worth noting that the former CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, faced criticism for allowing propaganda messages from China to remain on the platform. Despite pressure to remove them, Dorsey defended the decision, highlighting the complexities of managing content on a global scale.
Dorsey stepped down from his role at Twitter in November 2021 to focus on his payments company, Block (previously known as Square). His departure sparked discussions about his legacy at one of the world’s most influential social media platforms.
By assessing the current situation surrounding China’s health-tracking app and exploring the controversies surrounding its use, it becomes evident that concerns about privacy, personal freedoms, and political control persist in the digital era.
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