Recorded Future’s Insikt Group recently released research outlining China’s attempts at what they describe as digital colonization. A focus of China’s efforts involve providing attractive, cost-effective infrastructure deals for developing African nations, using technology sourced from China, technology that includes substantial surveillance capabilities. For some regimes this is all the better, but for others it means joining the online global marketplace in exchange for allowing Chinese authorities an unfettered view into their nation’s online activities. 

To help us understand the implications of this bargain we welcome back to our program Recorded Future’s Charity Wright, expert cyber threat intelligence analyst.