An Opportunity for Wall St. in China’s Surveillance Boom

Like other industries, surveillance is booming in China and attracting overseas investors. Hedge funds in the US profit by investing in firms that develop and apply high-tech internet censorship, face- and behavior-recognition software, and video feeds. Some Chinese firms, like China Security and Surveillance Technology and China Public Security Technology, incorporate in the US to attract funding. US Congressman Tom Lantos labels the investment as “irresponsible,” but Chinese executives counter that the surveillance curbs crime and terrorism. Susceptible to the judgment of those wielding controls and subject to abuse, surveillance systems provide mere illusions of protection while reducing trust throughout society. – YaleGlobal