While this is likely true, do you think they can't get that data another way? I would speculate that with pre-installed root certificates and total network cont

While this is likely true, do you think they can't get that data another way? I would speculate that with pre-installed root certificates and total network control they could get a lot of data. This wikipedia entry estimates that in 09 ~80% of chinese software sold was pirated. Pirated versions of windows and chrome are distributed on the black market. This software may have changes for the cracking program so the hash will mismatch the authentic software. Placing spyware on chrome and windows copies and distributing them would allow them the ability to harvest this data anyway. I agree with your appraisal. As a cynic, I assume they are trying to control data flowing out of china and this is one of many ways to control data, especially the type of people who would use this operating system which I would assume could be gov't controlled institutions like schools and research labs, as well as party officials. Edit: forgot to cite source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_sys...