Beijing has introduced a digital certificate that carries personal information, including an individual’s biometric data and ID number.
Beijing has sparked new concerns for tighter censorship with a policy to introduce digital identifications for netizens.
The Chinese communist regime said the “voluntary” scheme is designed to streamline service processes, protect personal information, and reduce fraud. At the same time, criticisms that described the policy as a tool for censorship are being purged from social media.
The policy, which was introduced last month by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the state department responsible for online censorship, is still subject to consultation. However, it has already been piloted across a number of public services and social media platforms. The MPS app for digital ID is currently available on several app stores, including Apple’s app store.
Meanwhile, a man from Northeast China is suing the MPS for implementing the policy before the consultation process is completed, according to a human rights group.
New Digital ID
On July 26, MPS and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) launched a consultation on plans to introduce digital ID numbers and certificates for netizens.
According to the consultation document, individuals with a valid ID can apply for a digital ID number and a digital certificate that contains the number and their personal information. The number and certificate can then be used for ID verification across public and private services.
The MPS said the measure would better protect netizens’ personal information because online platforms would no longer need to collect it separately. However, critics say it makes it easier for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to identify dissidents who cross the Party line in cyberspace.
U.S.-based telecommunications expert Zhong Shan, previously known as Wang Zu, said the measure, combined with China’s social credit system, could help boost local authorities’ revenue from fines and be used as another way to control dissidents.
“I think everyone will be given an ID number, but not necessarily a certificate. Those who are under the surveillance of the political security police could be left without a certificate,” he told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times.
By Lily Zhou
