All Chinese citizens could soon be given personal ratings that will affect every aspect of their daily lives.
The Communist Party hopes that the far-reaching social credit system will build a culture of "sincerity" and encourage good behaviour within a "harmonious socialist society".
The plan would involve the courts, police, banking, tax and employment records. Doctors, teachers, local governments and businesses could also be scored by citizens for their professionalism and probity.
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The idea is that good behaviour would be rewarded while those with a low rating would be punished and denied basic freedoms such as loans or permission to travel.
At the heart of the social credit system "is an attempt to control China's vast, anarchic and poorly regulated market economy", in which bribes and fraud are rife, says The Independent.
But it also looks like an attempt to extend government control of people's private lives.
Beijing-based social commentator Murong Xuecun said: "This is like Big Brother, who has all your information and can harm you in any way he wants."