Warnings should be heeded by any Americans using Chinese tech wherever they are.
Leading up to the 2022 Winter Olympic Games next week in Beijing, Team USA told athletes to bring burner phones (disposable prepaid phones) to safeguard their privacy and security against Chinese government. «Like computers, the data and applications on cell phones are subject to malicious intrusion, infection and data compromise,” noted the advisory. Just days ahead of the opening ceremonies, FBI Director Christopher Wray calls threats from China are “more brazen” than ever before and notes 2000 ongoing investigations into crime emerging from China. While the Olympic warning is necessary and appropriate, threats to personal safety and security from technology from firms owned and affiliated with the Chinese government are just as real and prevalent to ordinary Americans every day in the USA. No matter where one is logged in or plugged in, privacy and security is at risk when using Chinese tech. By China’s own decrees, its firms violate data protection practices of the US and European Union. Reportedly China will unblock parts of its Great Firewall to allow athletes and visitors to access Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and so on. Voice of America details the restrictions. Along with guidance on burner phones to athletes, coaches, family members and others, Team USA warns that «performing mission critical business and personal communications will be difficult at best while operating in China… [I]t should be assumed that all data and communications in China can be monitored, compromised or blocked.
