Digital Authoritarianism And Strategies To Promote A Democratic Digital Future

The Hoover Institution Program on the US, China, and the World hosted Digital Authoritarianism and Strategies to Promote a Democratic Digital Future, on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM PT in the Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building. 

The People's Republic of China is collecting and analyzing unprecedented volumes of data from both public and private sources, within and beyond its borders, for social control. It is leveraging advanced data-centric technologies such as artificial intelligence, neuro and immersive technologies, quantum computing, and digital currencies to enhance and export its authoritarian governance model. This has led to an erosion of privacy, personal freedoms, and a climate of fear and self-censorship within the PRC. As the PRC exports its technologies to other countries, these authoritarian practices may spread globally. What are the most effective strategies for democratic societies to prevent the misuse of emerging technologies for surveillance and control by authoritarian regimes? How can we effectively track and monitor the global spread of data-centric authoritarian practices? What approaches can democratic governments and civil society adopt to develop and promote privacy-preserving solutions that offer viable alternatives to authoritarian methods, while ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights? How can we engineer democratic values into the architectures of our technology platforms? In this event, our panel will examine the unique aspects of the PRC’s approach to digital authoritarianism and the opportunities for a democratic response.