All of China to be under CCTV surveillance by 2020

In a move that promises to bring a wry smile to the faces of Orwellian naysayers nationwide, Beijing has promised this week to monitor all "key public spaces" around China by 2020. 

"The plan aims to enhance public security monitoring, optimize traffic conditions and improve social management," according to a guideline released by the National Development and Reform Commission and eight other departments.

Local governments will have to make sure these cameras are operational 24/7, and build what they're calling "a multi-tier public security surveillance system."

There is an estimated one camera for every 43 citizens in China, but that numbered can be expected to rocket up before 2020. It's a good time to be in the surveillance camera business.

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[Image via Guancha]