In China, maintaining anonymity online has always been a challenge due to strict regulations. Currently, websites and apps require users to verify their identity using phone numbers linked to personal identification numbers assigned to adults. However, a new proposal by China’s internet regulators aims to further regulate online anonymity by introducing a national internet ID system.
The Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China argue that this proposal is designed to enhance privacy protection and combat online fraud. The proposed system would centralize user verification, reducing the need for internet platforms to collect and retain excessive personal information.
While the use of the national internet ID would be voluntary for websites and apps, concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications of such a system. Critics fear that a centralized internet ID could grant the government unprecedented access to monitor online activities, raising issues of social control and privacy infringement.
Chinese legal scholars have expressed apprehension about the proposed system. Lao Dongyan, a law professor at Tsinghua University, warned that the protection of personal information could be a facade for routine social control. Similarly, Shen Kui, a law professor at Peking University, highlighted the potential risks and fears associated with a unified internet ID and license, emphasizing the immense implications for internet users.
The proposal has sparked discussions across social media platforms in China, with many users expressing concerns about the current state of online privacy and the implications of a national internet ID system. The public has until the end of August to provide feedback on the proposal, which could significantly impact online anonymity in China.
