China’s social credit system which wasn’t set to debut until 2020 is already making its mark. Certain areas of the country have already begun to feel the initial repercussions of the system.

The Independent reported that China is not allowing select citizens to book tickets for flights or speed trains. According to the plan published by the Chinese government the goal is to avoid “untrustworthy” people from moving.

“We will improve the credit blacklist system, publicly disclose the records of enterprises and individuals’ untrustworthiness on a regular basis, and form a pattern of distrust and punishment.”

The Chinese state-run Global Times revealed that the government blocked 11.14 people from booking flights. They also blocked another 4.25 million from travelling on high-speed trains. As a result, the country has begun to take notice.

Hou Yunchun, the Former deputy director of the development research centre of the State Council claims that China’s goal is for “discredited people to become bankrupt”.

The Chinese government is yet to reveal an outline of the punishments for untrustworthy citizens. There are rumours that some punishments will include minimal access to good schools and slowing down internet speeds.

In addition to introducing the system in Beijing, China plans to gradually roll out the system in the coming years.

“We will implement a unified system of credit rating codes nationwide,”

This system may feel like something out a tv show but it is a reality that is creeping closer every day. In fact industries around the globe are using similar systems to make decisions about the digital you. While it may not be as tangible as China’s upcoming social credit, these systems can affect you all the same.

To learn more, tap into the digital you at ScoresMatter.