China's Proposed Virtual ID System Sparks Privacy Concerns

China's government proposes a virtual ID system to protect citizens' information, but internet users fear it will lead to increased surveillance. Critics argue it will enhance government control over online activities, while officials seek public opinion until August 25.

Following the Chinese government's proposal to create a virtual ID system, intended to safeguard personal information, concerns have erupted among over one billion internet users, reported Voice of America (VOA).

The draft 'Measures for the Administration of National Network Identity Authentication Public Services' was issued on July 26 by China's Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration. The proposal suggests that netizens could voluntarily apply for virtual IDs, aiming to 'minimise the excessive collection and retention of citizens' personal information by online platforms' and 'protect personal information.'

Despite partial agreement that companies have too much access to personal data, many fear the cyber ID proposal will enable easier government tracking and online control, VOA reported. Beijing lawyer Wang Cailiang expressed his disapproval on Weibo: 'I am not in favour of this. Please leave a little room for citizens' privacy.'

Shortly after, Tsinghua University law professor Lao Dongyan's critical Weibo post comparing cyber IDs to surveillance vanished, along with other negative comments now only seen on foreign platforms like X and Free Weibo. Weibo user 'Liu Jiming' criticized the proposal as a hypocritical show of democracy, while the Great Firewall continues to block politically sensitive content.

Since 2017, China has mandated real-name verification for internet users, facilitating authorities' monitoring. Critics argue a single cyber ID would close existing loopholes. Zola, a network engineer, and naturalized Taiwan citizen, noted that controlling cyber IDs grants access to a netizen's actual name and their connection to the cybersecurity ID, portraying it as a 'superpower.'

Li, a dissident from Shanghai, interpreted the proposal as an explicit signal of intensified surveillance. Another Weibo user, 'Fang Zhifu,' warned that a revoked cyber ID could equate to a 'death sentence in the cyber world.'

China's Ministry of Public Security and Cyberspace Administration will consider public opinion on the plan until August 25.

(With inputs from agencies.)