Chinese authorities are using cellphone data to track those protesting the government’s strict Covid-19 restrictions in Beijing, according to a recording of a phone conversation between a protester and police heard by CNN.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered along Beijing’s Liangma River on Sunday night, demanding an end to testing and ruthless quarantines imposed under the “0 COVID” policy. Some also condemned censorship and called for greater political freedoms.

The extraordinary spectacle of dissent in the heart of the Chinese capital ended mostly peacefully on Monday morning. But some protesters received phone calls from the police questioning them about their participation in the demonstrations.

A protester told CNN that he received a call from a police officer on Wednesday who said they were being followed because their cell phone signal had been recorded near the protest site.

According to a recording of the phone conversation heard by CNN, the protester was asked if he had gone to the Liangma River on Sunday night. When he denied that he was there, they answered: “Then why did your mobile number appear there?”

In China, all mobile phone users are required by law to register their real name and national identification number with their telecommunications service providers.

The protester was also told to appear at the police station for questioning and to sign a report. When asked why he had to comply, the caller said it was “an order from the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau,” according to the recording.

In China, all mobile phone users are required by law to register their real name and national identification number with telecommunications operators.

The protester was also told to appear at the police station for questioning and to sign a report. When asked why he had to comply, the caller said it was “an order from the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau,” according to the recording.

CNN has reached out to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau for comment.

Some demonstrators took precautions to avoid being followed or identified. One woman told CNN that she kept her phone on airplane mode during the demonstration and that police had not contacted her as of Thursday afternoon.

Source: news.ro