China’s plan for cybersecurity ID could be a path to social control, legal experts say

Draft identity measures aim to reduce sensitive personal information online but may lead to tighter monitoring, observers say

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Chinese authorities are seeking public comment on a proposal to cut down the amount of personal information shared with online platforms. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 12:02pm, 31 Jul 2024Updated: 5:11pm, 31 Jul 2024

China is considering a national cyberspace ID to safeguard data security and personal information, raising concerns among legal experts about tighter monitoring and social control.

Draft regulations issued last week by the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China would enable users to verify their identities online without disclosing sensitive personal information to internet service platforms.

According to the draft National Network Identity Authentication Public Service Management Measures, two forms of digital ID would be available through a national authentication app. The initiative is open for public comment until August 25.

The initiative aims to “protect citizens’ personal information, regulate the public service for authentication of cyberspace IDs, and accelerate the implementation of the trusted online identity strategy”.

The 16-article initiative proposes a unified network number, composed of letters and numbers, and a digital authentication credential, both corresponding to a user’s identity, so that no personal details would be revealed.

The system would be voluntary and “maximally reduces the over-collection and retention of citizens’ personal information by internet platforms under the pretext of implementing real-name registration”, the draft said.