The antidote to that risk is the democratic spirit and civil freedoms -- both of which are suffering worldwide. The world’s two most populous states, China and India -- together, around 37% -- have rolled out nationwide digital systems of monitoring and classification. These combine the collection of personal information needed for fuller citizenship with the capacity for fuller surveillance and intervention by the state. Complaints that Aadhaar breaches the right to privacy are lodged with the courts, and a battle is joined between civil libertarians and the state. Instead, these powers, especially the Chinese system, are likely to be used by leaders who wish to radically alter the liberal policies and customs they have inherited.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 05, 2019 13:18 UTC