Unraveling the Mystery: The Ongoing Saga of the "Notable" Social Credit System

The term “Notable,” often followed by variations like “Important Important Important,” refers to the emerging and increasingly influential social credit system being implemented, primarily in China, but with implications and adaptations sprouting globally. While the concept isn’t entirely new, its scale, technological sophistication, and potential impact on individual liberties warrant careful examination. This explainer aims to clarify the core elements of “Notable,” addressing its origins, current state, and likely future trajectory.

Who is involved?

The primary implementer of the most well-known social credit system is the Chinese government. Through various state agencies and private companies, it’s attempting to create a nationwide system that scores citizens and businesses based on their behavior. However, the concept of social credit, in a broader sense, involves various actors worldwide. Private companies, particularly in finance and technology, utilize similar scoring mechanisms to assess risk and reward customer behavior. Governments in other countries are also exploring aspects of social credit, often framed as incentive programs for responsible citizenship.

What is "Notable?"

At its core, “Notable” is a system of rewards and punishments based on an individual's or organization's trustworthiness and adherence to societal norms as defined by the governing authority. In China, this encompasses a wide range of activities, from paying bills on time and obeying traffic laws to engaging in "positive" social behavior like volunteering and promoting government narratives. A high social credit score can unlock benefits like preferential access to loans, education, and travel, while a low score can lead to restrictions, including travel bans, slower internet speeds, and limited access to jobs.

Beyond China, "Notable" takes on different forms. Loyalty programs offered by airlines and retailers, while not directly government-controlled, function on a similar principle: rewarding desired behavior with perks. Fintech companies use credit scoring algorithms based on data points like online activity and social media connections to assess creditworthiness, effectively creating a social credit system for financial access.

When did it begin?

The concept of social credit in China can be traced back to the early 2000s, with pilot programs emerging in various cities around 2010. The State Council officially released the "Outline for the Construction of a Social Credit System" in 2014, outlining a national system intended to be fully operational by 2020. While the 2020 deadline was not strictly met, the system continues to expand and evolve, incorporating new technologies and data sources.

The idea of using social scores to influence behavior predates the digital age. Throughout history, societies have relied on social pressure and reputation to maintain order. However, the scale and scope of the modern "Notable" system, powered by big data and artificial intelligence, are unprecedented.

Where is it being implemented?

The most comprehensive implementation of “Notable” is undoubtedly in China. Cities like Rongcheng and Suzhou were early adopters of pilot programs, and the system is gradually being rolled out nationwide. While a single, unified national score doesn't exist yet, various regional and sectoral systems are interconnected and contribute to an individual's overall social credit profile.

Outside of China, aspects of "Notable" are visible in various forms globally. The use of credit scores by financial institutions is widespread. Loyalty programs are prevalent in retail and travel. Governments in some countries are exploring incentive programs for health and environmental behaviors, which could be seen as a form of social credit. The European Union, for example, is considering digital identity wallets that could be used to access public and private services, raising concerns about potential tracking and social scoring.

Why is it being implemented?

The Chinese government frames the social credit system as a tool to enhance social trust, promote ethical behavior, and create a more harmonious society. Officials argue that it helps to combat fraud, corruption, and other forms of social disorder. They also see it as a way to improve compliance with laws and regulations.

Critics, however, argue that "Notable" is a tool for social control and political repression. They express concerns about the lack of transparency, the potential for bias and discrimination, and the erosion of individual liberties. They argue that the system allows the government to monitor and control citizens' behavior, punishing dissent and rewarding conformity. Data privacy is a major concern, as the system collects vast amounts of personal information, which could be vulnerable to misuse or abuse.

Historical Context:

The idea of using social pressure to enforce norms is not new. Throughout history, societies have relied on reputation and shaming to regulate behavior. However, the modern social credit system draws inspiration from the Soviet Union's "proletarian morality" and Mao Zedong's "social credit" system, which emphasized collective responsibility and ideological conformity. The current system builds on these historical precedents but utilizes advanced technology to monitor and influence behavior on an unprecedented scale.

Current Developments:

The Chinese social credit system is constantly evolving. Recent developments include:

• Integration with facial recognition technology: Facial recognition is being used to monitor citizens' behavior in public spaces, with violations automatically recorded and reflected in their social credit scores.


• Expansion to new sectors: The system is being extended to cover new areas, such as environmental protection, food safety, and internet behavior.


• Increased international scrutiny: The social credit system has faced increasing international criticism, with concerns raised about its impact on human rights and privacy.

Data Points:

• A 2019 report by the Mercator Institute for China Studies found that "millions of Chinese citizens have been blacklisted from taking flights or trains due to low social credit scores."


• The Chinese government claims that the social credit system has helped to reduce fraud and corruption. However, independent verification of these claims is difficult.


• Western companies operating in China are facing increasing pressure to comply with the social credit system, raising ethical concerns about their role in supporting the government's surveillance apparatus.

Likely Next Steps:

The future of "Notable" is uncertain, but several trends are likely to continue:

• Further expansion and refinement: The Chinese government will likely continue to expand the scope of the social credit system and refine its algorithms.


• Increased data collection and analysis: The system will likely rely on increasingly sophisticated data collection and analysis techniques, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.


• Greater international cooperation: The Chinese government is likely to seek to promote its social credit system internationally, potentially through the Belt and Road Initiative.


• Growing resistance and opposition: The social credit system is likely to face growing resistance and opposition from both within and outside China.

The "Notable" phenomenon, encompassing the Chinese social credit system and its global counterparts, presents a complex and evolving challenge. Understanding its origins, current developments, and potential future is crucial for navigating the ethical and societal implications of this emerging technology. While framed as a tool for social good, the potential for abuse and the erosion of individual liberties remain significant concerns that demand careful consideration and ongoing scrutiny.