How will the CCP government's 'Anti-espionage Law' affect OSM editing?

  • First of all, I want to make it clear that I have no other intentions in writing this article, I just want to know how it will affect OSM editing and what OSM editors should be careful about.

As a member of a generation that has seen firsthand how arbitrary and vague laws from authoritarian states affect their citizens, I am frankly very concerned about the Chinese Communist government’s “Anti-Espionage Law”. - Related search results

I’d like to discuss the impact of the Anti-Espionage Law on OSM editing broadly and hear your information and opinions.
In particular,

  • Are residents of China (including Hong Kong) likely to be penalized in any way for simply obtaining information for OSM edits?
  • Is it possible that simply editing security-sensitive facilities - broadcasters, public institutions, etc… - could be a barrier to future travel to China?
  • Whether simply asking a resident of China for information about security-sensitive facilities is likely to penalize a resident of China…
  • What exactly constitutes a security-sensitive facility…
  • e.t.c, e.t.c…

Below is for reference only.
Please tell me what I don’t know yet or WHAT YOU THINK.


Below are the results of asking the A.I. about “How the Chinese Communist government’s ‘Anti-espionage Law’ will affect OSM editing”.

The Chinese Communist government’s “anti-espionage law” could have a significant impact on OpenStreetMap (OSM) editing in China. The law, which went into effect in January 2022, makes it a crime to collect or provide information that could be used to harm national security. This could include information about military bases, government buildings, or other sensitive sites.

As a result of the law, OSM editors in China may be hesitant to contribute data about these types of locations. This could lead to gaps in the OSM map of China, making it less accurate and useful for users.

The law could also make it more difficult for OSM editors to collaborate with each other. If editors are concerned about sharing information that could be considered sensitive, they may be less likely to participate in discussions or projects that involve data from China.

Overall, the Chinese Communist government’s “anti-espionage law” could have a chilling effect on OSM editing in China. It remains to be seen how the law will be enforced, but it is clear that it could have a significant impact on the accuracy and completeness of the OSM map of China.

In addition to the legal risks, OSM editors in China may also face social and political pressure to avoid contributing data about sensitive locations. The Chinese government has a history of cracking down on dissent and restricting access to information. As a result, OSM editors may be concerned about being punished for their activities, even if they are not technically breaking any laws.

The combination of legal and social risks could make it very difficult for OSM to maintain an accurate and complete map of China. This is a significant challenge for the project, as China is a large and important country. However, it is important to remember that OSM is a global project, and there are many editors outside of China who can contribute data. With the help of these editors, OSM can continue to provide a valuable resource for users around the world, even if the map of China is not as complete as it could be.


Below are the results of asking the A.I. about “What individuals should pay attention to when editing OSM based on the Chinese Communist government’s ‘Anti-espionage Law’”.

The Chinese Communist government’s “Anti-Espionage Law” prohibits the collection, storage, and dissemination of information that is considered to be national security secrets. This law has been interpreted broadly to include information about military bases, government buildings, and other sensitive locations.

As a result, individuals who edit OpenStreetMap (OSM) in China should be careful not to add or modify data that could be considered to be national security secrets. This includes information about the following:

  • Military bases
  • Government buildings
  • Sensitive industrial facilities
  • Critical infrastructure
  • Natural resources
  • Border areas

If you are unsure whether or not certain information is considered to be national security secrets, it is best to err on the side of caution and not add or modify it. You can also contact the OSM China community for more information.

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Ce sujet de discussion accompagne la publication sur https://community.openstreetmap.org/t/how-will-the-ccp-governments-anti-espionage-law-affect-osm-editing/100774