The Adoption of Cognitive Computing Technology in China

Cognitive computing technology or cognitive technology is a field of computer science that automates tasks that traditionally require perceptual and cognitive skills from humans. This field is an emerging area that integrates sensors, pattern recognition, data mining, reasoning algorithms, and natural language processing to mimic the functions of the human brain. China is becoming a global leader in the adoption of cognitive technology, enjoying favorable conditions for the technology's development because of its substantial local market, rich data, and strong government policy support. One of the major benefits that cognitive technology promises to bring to China is the ability to advance the social, economic, and environmental development of the large rural population to the levels that characterize the urban areas of the nation. A controversial application of cognitive technology in China is security surveillance; while the Chinese government claims that the use of cognitive-powered surveillance helps reduce crime and create a safe environment for its citizens, others view the practice as technocratic governance and an abuse of civil liberties. This article reviews the adoption and development of cognitive technology in China and discusses the impacts, concerns, and challenges of the technology for the country.