from Hacker News

China 'social credit': Beijing sets up huge system

by dynofuz on 1/4/19, 2:53 PM with 2 comments

• by nabla9 on 1/4/19, 3:24 PM

  Its huge social experiment. Beijing probably thinks there is no risk for them, you can just modify the system until it works or end it if it goes bad. But messing with social order can have unforeseen consequences.

  I can see at least three scenarios:

  1. It eventually works well and cements the power structures. Those in power can't get low scores. Wast majority of population aligns their behaviour with the incentives provided by the credit. Effective caste system emerges.

  2. It somewhat works but people eventually hack around it and corrupt it. Social credit becomes the new center of corruption that weakens Beijing. Shady people get ahead faster than before.

  3. There is a sudden blowback that is too fast to counter and is spreads trough the whole nation. For example: Too many people are forbidden from traveling during the new year to their families. They and their families protest and that lowers their credit even more. Angry people start to push back and Bejing loses control...

• by mtgx on 1/4/19, 3:05 PM

  If this system is not criticized more, countries will soon begin to look at it with envy, regardless of whether or not they think it will be a positive addition to their societies, but primarily because it will be a great way to control those societies. So if their people don't attack it, they might see it as an invitation to implement it at home, too.