China's Rise of Influence in Africa through AI

The Rise of China’s ‘Surveillance Colonialism’ in Africa

‘Surveillance colonialism operates through algorithms, platforms, and biometric contracts, outsourcing control while entrenching dependency,’ one expert said.

JOHANNESBURG—African governments are using Chinese artificial intelligence to find, jail, torture, and even kill political opponents and pro-democracy activists, according to several investigations.

Researchers say Beijing is exporting its “surveillance state” model to African countries and rapidly positioning itself to control the critical infrastructure, data, and energy that will power the continent’s AI systems in the future.

This could mean that China will have immense influence over politics and public life in Africa, potentially influencing election outcomes and swaying public opinion in favor of Beijing and its allies, according to the studies.

Some academics say it’s happening already.

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