# Global digital surveillance and censorship expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-digital-surveillance-and-censorship-expansion
> Updated: 2026-08-25T14:32:27.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Global digital surveillance and censorship efforts have intensified, with Reporters Without Borders identifying twelve countries as ‘enemies of the internet’ due to massive online monitoring. In China, authorities are reportedly exerting pressure on private internet firms to assist in censorship efforts.

China is further expanding its surveillance capabilities through new regulations, such as the ‘Public Security Organ Cyber Space Security Supervision and Inspection Measures’ scheduled for October. The Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council has warned that these measures grant broad discretionary powers to Chinese authorities, potentially allowing for the inspection of personal communications and digital footprints. Officials have advised citizens that travelers may face increased scrutiny or detention, even when carrying spare or blank mobile devices.

In a separate context of digital risks, reports from Taiwan indicate rising exposure to AI-generated content among youth, including deepfake images and fake news, highlighting growing concerns regarding digital literacy.

## Claims

- The Taiwan government opposes China's cross-strait jurisdiction and asserts its laws have no binding effect on ROC citizens. (single source)
- The MAC advises citizens to carefully evaluate risks before traveling to China due to increased surveillance. (single source)
- 91.6% of junior high students in Taiwan own a mobile phone. (single source)
- Junior high students in Taiwan spend an average of 38.4 hours per week online. (single source)
- Approximately 15% of junior high students have encountered AI-generated fake images or videos used to prank classmates. (single source)
- The average age for junior high students to first own a mobile phone has decreased to 9.98 years. (single source)
- 2.5% of junior high students have encountered AI-generated intimate images of their classmates. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: China expands digital surveillance as Taiwan warns of risks and student AI exposure rises

China's expanding digital surveillance poses risks to travelers, while a new report in Taiwan reveals rising AI-related risks and high internet usage among junior high students.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-expands-digital-surveillance-as-taiwan-warns-of-risks-and-student-ai-exposure-rises

### 2026-08-15: Global digital surveillance expands through state censorship and AI camera networks

Reports highlight rising global digital surveillance, from state-led internet censorship in China and Iran to the expansion of AI-powered license plate reader networks in the United States.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-digital-surveillance-expands-through-state-censorship-and-ai-camera-networks

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Cite as: Global digital surveillance and censorship expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-digital-surveillance-and-censorship-expansion