Currently, the data collection industry in China is thriving as the demand for data has increased. Large amounts of data are being collected in order to pursue AI technology goals. A U.S. based firm that specializes in AI has estimated that the market for data grew 66% in 2018. While there are concerns regarding privacy laws and labor treatment, it seems that this growth is creating economic opportunities in many parts of the world, including rural China.
See "Faces for cookware: data collection industry flourishes as China pursues AI ambitions", Cate Cadell, Reuters, June 28, 2019