Why does the state need digital control tools?

In the modern world, digital control tools are becoming more and more in demand. They allow you to track large amounts of data and a variety of processes, which is beneficial not only for large companies, but also for the state. The proliferation of digital control tools is in the spotlight of the new issue of trendletters, produced as part of a joint project of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center and the UNESCO Futures Studies Chair (UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs network).

For reference: This series of trendsetters continues the practice of publishing reviews of global technological trends since 2014 and presents a unique database of global trends and challenges in the field of human development. This research of the HSE ISSEK is based on the results of iFORA Big Data System, the Delphi survey (with the participation of more than 400 leading foreign and Russian scientists), expert sessions and interviews.

The use of digital surveillance technologies has been widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure public safety. They have been used to remotely collect biometric data and monitor compliance with isolation measures, trace contacts of infected people, and detect crowds.

China was the first country to use digital control tools on a national scale. Data collection and analysis technologies support the Chinese social credit system, which not only imposes sanctions for violations but also rewards for behavior that meets accepted standards. The world's largest such network today is India's Aadhaar, which stores data on 1.3 billion people.

Digital identification systems around the world will continue to actively develop to confirm the identity of citizens, provide access to government services and multi-channel interaction. At the same time, the issue of digital discrimination – violation of citizens' rights to privacy and protection of their online identity – will remain highly relevant.

The new issue of trendletter (Russian version) is available at the link.

Previous issues of trendletters can be found here.