Chinese Open Source Data Collection, Big Data, And Private Enterprise Work For State Intelligence and Security: The Case of Shenzhen Zhenhua

Abstract

China is collecting vast amounts of open source data to support influence and intelligence operations through private enterprises it then sells to state institutions. Here we present one database collected on 2.4 million individuals around the world from sectors China deems as targets for a variety of purposes ranging from political influence to intellectual property targeting. The data appears used to support Chinese intelligence, military, security, and state operations in information warfare and influence targeting. The data covers a broad array of public and non-public data with classifications and rankings on individuals and institutions designed to assist Chinese analysts. The company also provides big data analytics as well as other functionality to support Chinese military and intelligence analysts. Individuals and institutions in open liberal democracies need greater understanding and privacy rights based upon the asymmetric information warfare being undertaken by the Chinese Communist Party and state security intelligence.

Keywords: China, influence, intelligence, big data, cybersecurity