Talking Tech: China Science Fiction Convention, 8 Problematic Browsers, and 131 Problematic Apps

What's the latest in clean breathing innovation? Who is using your data? When will the drones deliver your mail? Keep up with the latest circuitry in our column, Talking Tech.

China Science Fiction Convention at Shougang Industrial Park

While some are packing their schedules with Halloween shenanigans this weekend, those who consider themselves more of a Frankenstein fan than Nosferatu are dressing up for a different event, namely the annual China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC), which will take place on Nov 1 and Nov 2.

Hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology, CSFC continues to play an important role in shaping the conversation around turning science fiction into reality. This year, the convention will be held at Shougang Industrial Park on the outskirts of the city. After lying dormant for the past decade, the former location of Shougang Steel Works has been reimagined from the beating metallic heart of Beijing’s heavy industry to a steampunk playground, home to emerging AI startups, esports studios, and a core of innovation. During the convention, various seminars led by sci-fi authors Crystal M. Huff, Liu Cixin, Kevin Anderson, and other industry heavyweights will take place on this rustic, yet futuristic land. Meanwhile, a large exhibition hall will take over the majority of the industrial park, with plenty of performative and interactive projects for attendees to explore, such as motion capture and a VR idol concert.

To find the mini-program where you can purchase tickets and see a list of online events search “中国科幻大会”. For more information, follow CSFC’s official WeChat account, ID: QQSci-Fi.

8 mobile phone browsers are put through the wringer

If you’re an Android user, you may have noticed that some web browsers have been acting a bit finicky as of late, including pre-installed staples such as Xiaomi, Huawei, QQ, and the 360 Internet Browser. Well, according to an announcement issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China on Oct 26, the mobile phone browsers have been dodging routine inspections for a while now, effectively becoming megaphones for rumormongering and disinformation. As such, this new wave of inspections aims to correct three major problem areas: fake news and anything maliciously misinterpreted by independent media organizations, click-bait, and that which goes against socialist core values. Besides banning any such news from being published, mobile phone browsers are now barred from sending articles on independent media platforms to users via push notifications. The inspection period will go from Oct 27 to Nov 9, and while it might limit some of their functionality, their core operations should run unimpeded.

Apps that threaten your privacy and a fake Disneyland app

Around the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also revealed a list of 131 mobile apps that are being accused of requesting user info beyond reasonable needs or without user consent. These apps include online shopping, streaming platforms, gaming and dating apps, mobile input tools, and travel apps. Most notable is that an app called 上海迪士尼乐园 Shanghai Disneyland also appears on the list, however, the Disneyland Resort soon responded to the allegation, claiming the listed app is counterfeit and entirely unaffiliated with the resort.

Read: Beicology: How Much Do Sharebikes Actually Do for Beijing’s Environment?

Images: Stella Jacob (via Unsplash), Archdaily, Weibo