China accused of spying to create passenger jet

China has been accused of using a database containing personal information on millions of airline passengers for espionage purposes. According to a report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the database has been used by China's Ministry of State Security to track foreign nationals and identify potential targets for intelligence gathering. The report alleges that the database was created by a subsidiary of China's state-owned aviation firm using software developed by a French company.

The database reportedly includes information on over 100 million passengers, including 35 million from the United States and 7 million from Australia. The report claims that the Chinese government’s misuse of personal data poses a threat to national security, and has prompted calls for greater transparency and oversight of China’s data collection practices.

China has denied the allegations, stating that its data collection practices are “lawful, justified, and necessary” for the purpose of safeguarding national security and social stability. However, the allegations have raised concerns among privacy advocates and government officials about China’s use of technology for surveillance and espionage.

The allegations also highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of personal data by governments and corporations. As data privacy continues to be a pressing issue in the digital age, it is essential for governments and corporations to ensure that personal data is collected and used in a manner that respects individuals’ privacy rights and protects national security.

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