China's New Exit Rules Loom as Report Reveals Tracking of Taiwanese, Foreigners

China's upcoming implementation of new entry-exit regulations on September 15 has sparked concerns, particularly for Taiwanese citizens, regarding potential travel restrictions. The new rules permit authorities to prevent individuals from leaving the country without prior notification if they are deemed a risk to national security.

In the lead-up to these changes, The New York Times reported on a suspected Chinese surveillance platform used by police to track foreign nationals. Cybersecurity researcher and former China correspondent Mark Hofer discovered a website named "Overseas Personnel Dynamic Control Platform." Initially appearing to track foreigners associated with Zhangjiakou, further investigation revealed a database containing nearly 12,000 entries, including fugitives, individuals from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and over 300 foreign journalists, some of whom had never visited Zhangjiakou.

Hofer found his own profile on the platform, which included his ID photo, passport number, and past Chinese mobile numbers – data he described as not publicly available. He believes the platform was designed for the Zhangjiakou Municipal Public Security Bureau and noted that user logs indicated involvement from eight police stations in Zhangjiakou and three in other cities, suggesting an operational system.

The database integrates various types of information, including facial recognition, surveillance footage, travel and accommodation records, and even consumption data. It tracks individuals' movements in public spaces like intersections, shopping malls, and religious sites, and analyzes their social connections. Notably, Taiwanese and Hong Kong individuals are categorized separately, as are individuals from "Five Eyes" countries (U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand). Students, foreign spouses, and those identified as "key personnel" are also subject to heightened monitoring. The platform also records administrative violations by foreigners, such as failure to update address information or unauthorized teaching. The New York Times traced the website to Beijing Changyuan Power Technology Company, which has a history of providing police surveillance equipment and systems. Neither the company nor the Zhangjiakou Public Security Bureau responded to inquiries.