Millions Blacklisted From Plane Travel for “Bad” Behavior

China has developed a new system that links “bad behavior” to an inability to travel.

Millions have been prevented from buying plane and train tickets due to various incidents dubbed “bad behavior.” Bad behavior ranges from leaving bikes on sidewalks to illegal home renovations. In many cases, it is unpaid fines that leave passengers stranded and unable to return home from whence they came.

Some issues are still being worked out says Zhang Yong, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission. Including the fact even after restitution has been paid, some people are unable to board trains and planes.

The Social Credit System

The Chinese government is trying to create a credit system. But unlike other government’s credit systems, the Chinese system goes beyond typical financial factors and looks at a person’s social behavior as well. And even their social media behavior. The system shares information about individuals across a spectrum of systems and allows various agencies to weigh in.

The system is supposed to punish the dishonest and reward the “faithful” as a motivation tool. But websites showcase public shaming and some public areas have broadcasted images of those that aren’t paying bills.

The government has acknowledged that the system has many flaws, including time delays in reporting updated information, and other accuracies that make the system unfair. The vast number of departments and provinces involved means that millions are affected by the new program.

Human Rights Watch has expressed concern about the system and especially those that are listed incorrectly or that don’t get their names immediately removed from the list once they have made good on their debts. HRW says that the program could significantly limit the rights of people due to petty complaints.

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