Security News > 2024 > July > China ponders creating a national 'cyberspace ID'

Although the policy is only open for comments and not certain to be adopted, the IDs would serve to "Protect citizens' personal information, regulate the public service for authentication of cyberspace IDs, and accelerate the implementation of the trusted online identity strategy," according to a notice posted by the State Council - China's equivalent of a ministerial cabinet.

A government national service platform will be responsible for authenticating and issuing the cyberspace IDs.

The draft comes from the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China.

China is one of the few countries in the world that requires citizens to use their real names on the internet.

Relying instead on a national ID means "The excessive collection and retention of citizens' personal information by internet service providers will be prevented and minimized," reasoned Beijing.

The agency;s national biometric identification scheme, Aadhar, is used for a wide range of services, from accessing government subsidies and benefits to opening bank accounts and obtaining mobile connections.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/07/29/china_cyberspace_id_proposal/