Health startups in China are providing free healthcare—including medical services, health insurance, pharmaceuticals and education—to residents in exchange for data that will help inform the companies’ artificial intelligence-based products. Over 130 firms are working on the initiative, part of the Chinese government’s “Made in China 2025” plan, through which the country wants to move toward producing higher-value products and services. (Wired UK)

Talking point: Rural farmers are among those coming in for checkups in exchange for data. Some patients have never been to the larger town hospitals, despite suffering from medical issues like chronic pain. China’s laws do not offer much protection of personal data from the state. That’s allowed its AI industry to advance quickly, but the scheme also means governments get a comprehensive look at each citizen’s personal information. In Jia County, where Tencent-backed WeDoctor is doing a pilot, villagers are obligated to attend medical checks, regardless of whether they’re sick or not.