Reports Describe Expanding Digital Repression in Tibet

Last week, a report titled "A Long Shadow: The expansion and export of China's digital repression model in Tibet" was published by Turquoise Roof and Tibet Watch. The report highlights the Chinese government's strategic investment in advanced Public Security Bureau (PSB) training infrastructure in Tibet and Meiya Pico's integral role in meeting these specialized requirements.

Meiya Pico, a Chinese state-owned digital security company, has been at the center of controversy for its involvement in online surveillance and censorship. The report suggests that Meiya Pico is being used to expand China's digital repression model globally, with Tibet being the first target.

The Impact on Tibetan Culture and Language

Tibetan culture and language are under threat from the Chinese government's assimilation policies. State-run schools in Tibet are teaching Tibetan children to speak Mandarin Chinese instead of their native language, leading to a loss of cultural identity and a sense of disconnection from their families and community.

A 14-year-old girl named Dolma was sent to one such boarding school at the age of seven, where she was forced to learn Chinese as her primary language. She spent eight months a year away from her family and struggled to understand her dialect when she returned home.

The Role of Technology in Digital Repression

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in China's digital repression model. The report highlights the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for online surveillance and censorship, with Meiya Pico being a key player in this effort.

DeepSeek's "Outstanding Results in the Field" public security and public opinion response database has been used to monitor and suppress dissenting voices online. The report also mentions that former Tibet Party Chief Pleads guilty to bribery charges, highlighting the government's efforts to crack down on corruption and dissent.

International Criticism

The report has sparked international criticism of China's digital repression model. Human rights groups have condemned the use of technology for surveillance and censorship, and many countries are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the Chinese government.

Le Monde reported on the impact of China's assimilation policies in Tibet, highlighting the efforts of activists to protect Tibetan culture and language.

The Future of Digital Repression

The report suggests that China's digital repression model is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with AI playing an increasingly important role. The government's use of technology for surveillance and censorship will likely continue to be a major concern for human rights groups and critics of the Chinese government.

However, there are also efforts underway to challenge this model. Activists and human rights organizations are working to promote digital literacy and online security, and many countries are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the Chinese government.

Conclusion

The report highlights the growing use of technology in China's digital repression model, with Meiya Pico playing a key role. The impact on Tibetan culture and language is significant, and international criticism is mounting.

The future of digital repression will likely be shaped by the ongoing debates about online security, surveillance, and censorship. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in China's digital repression model, it is essential that human rights groups and critics of the Chinese government continue to promote transparency and accountability.