Geopolitical Implications of AI and Digital Surveillance Adoption

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A June 2022 Brookings policy brief relevant to AI governance discussions about dual-use technologies, export controls, and the geopolitical dimensions of AI deployment in authoritarian contexts.

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Importance: 42/100organizational reportanalysis

Summary

This Brookings policy brief by researchers from Georgetown's CSET and Australia's ASPI examines how the spread of AI-enabled surveillance technologies—particularly from China—affects geopolitics, human rights, and democratic norms globally. It analyzes patterns in surveillance technology exports and their implications for authoritarian governance diffusion.

Key Points

•China is a leading exporter of AI-enabled surveillance technologies, raising concerns about enabling authoritarian governance models abroad.
•Adoption of digital surveillance tools has implications for privacy, human rights, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
•The spread of surveillance tech reflects broader geopolitical competition between democratic and authoritarian governance models.
•Policy responses are needed to constrain exports of surveillance tools that enable repression and human rights abuses.
•Both state and corporate actors play roles in the global diffusion of surveillance capabilities.

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Page	Type	Quality
AI-Enabled Authoritarian Takeover	Risk	61.0

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# Geopolitical implications of AI and digital surveillance adoption

##### [Dahlia Peterson](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/geopolitical-implications-of-ai-and-digital-surveillance-adoption/) and       ![Dahlia Peterson](https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FP_20200914_dahlia_peterson.jpg?quality=75&w=183)     Dahlia PetersonResearch Analyst, Center for Security and Emerging Technology \- Georgetown University     [Samantha Hoffman](https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman)   [![Samantha Hoffman](https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Samantha-Hoffman.jpg?quality=75&w=250)](https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman)  [Samantha Hoffman](https://www.aspi.org.au/bio/samantha-hoffman)Senior Analyst, International Cyber Policy Centre \- Australian Strategic Policy Institute

June 2022

![Surveillance cameras are seen at the headquarters of China's Hangzhou Hik

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Resource ID: 66252ed58a4d871f | Stable ID: NjFiM2Y1Nj