The Russian State Social University (RGSU) presented an interesting and innovative platform “We”, which is being developed to create a social rating of Russian citizens based on various parameters. This system invites university students to register on the platform and take part in testing.
The pilot rating system will include questions about various aspects of citizens’ lives, such as education, presence of children and dependents, sources of income, benefits, credit history, criminal records, social media accounts, participation in public life, government awards, language skills (especially Chinese), commitment to sports, healthy lifestyle and so on. All these parameters will be used to determine the social status and level of each person.
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It is interesting to note that the final data will be presented in the form of a two-digit scoring code, where each number will reflect the social status and social level of the person. For example, such a code might look like 47-29. The first figure will reflect social status, and the second – social level, reflecting “merits” and “prospects”, respectively.
In addition, the system involves linking the social rating along with SNILS, TIN, passport and telephone number. This will establish the accuracy and reliability of the data, and will also facilitate the process of identifying users (citizens).
The authors of the project emphasize that the “We” system will be useful not only for banks, but also for governors, for whom it will be able to classify citizens according to their usefulness to the state. This is reminiscent of a similar social credit system that has already been in place in China since 2014.
The social rating system in China is a project to evaluate citizens and organizations according to various parameters that determine their degree of “trustworthiness.” It covers both corporate and individual levels. Each citizen and enterprise is assigned a certain rating, which can increase or decrease depending on their behavior.
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The rating affects access to various social benefits, such as the opportunity to travel, get loans, get a job, etc. Those who comply with the laws, norms and values of society are rewarded, while those who violate them are sanctioned.
China’s social ranking system uses various mass surveillance and big data analysis tools to collect and process information. These tools include facial recognition systems, video cameras, online platforms, banking, etc. However, it is not unified and centralized, but consists of many local and private projects that may have different criteria and rules.
The introduction of such a system in Russia raises interest and questions about data protection, transparency and possible negative consequences.
Of course, the platform represents an interesting experiment that can lead to new approaches to assessing the social status and standard of living of citizens. However, it is necessary to ensure transparency, data protection and a balance between individual rights and state interests.
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