Bipartisan concern is mounting in Washington over U.S. tech firms supplying surveillance tools to Chinese authorities. Following an in-depth Associated Press investigation, lawmakers and human rights advocates demanded immediate action to stop the export of American technology that has enabled China’s sweeping surveillance state.
AP Reveals Deep U.S. Tech Involvement in China’s Surveillance Network
The AP investigation revealed that major U.S. companies — including IBM, Dell, and Cisco — played a significant role in building China’s surveillance infrastructure. These firms sold billions of dollars’ worth of equipment and software to Chinese police and government agencies. Critics argue this technology is being used to quash dissent, persecute minorities, and monitor activists. The companies stated they followed all U.S. export control laws.
Human Rights Victims Speak Out
Yang Caiying, a Chinese activist whose family was targeted using American-made tech, expressed outrage. Her mother and sister were sentenced to prison this month. Despite personal costs, Yang believes it’s vital to expose how digital surveillance fuels systematic oppression. “Without attention, China will sink into an endless abyss,” she warned.
Congressional Pressure Mounts on Big Tech
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) called for subpoenas to force tech firms to testify before Congress. He accused Silicon Valley of refusing to cooperate and vowed to confront companies that maintain ties with the Chinese government. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House Select Committee on the CCP, criticized U.S. firms chasing profits while enabling “malignant smart cities” used for repression.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) echoed calls for tighter restrictions. She condemned tech companies for putting profits over ethics and emphasized the urgency of robust export controls.
Advocacy Groups Condemn U.S. Tech’s Role
Civil rights organizations were united in outrage. Tencho Gyatso of the International Campaign for Tibet called on firms to sever all ties with China’s police state. Zumretay Arkin of the World Uyghur Congress said American companies and researchers must take responsibility for enabling ethnic repression, particularly in Xinjiang.
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Lawmakers and activists call for action after AP reveals US tech role in China’s surveillance state
Photo by Lianhao Qu on Unsplash
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