China has recently been creating quite a buzz in the technology sector, giving Western countries, especially the USA, tough competition. Now, Asia's largest economy is poised to take a bold public stand against one of the internet's core principles.
On July 15, the Chinese government will roll out its Cyberspace ID system, a national identification program that will connect real names to online behavior for all of China's 800 million internet users. As a nation with 1.1 billion internet users, China already has one of the most controlled online spaces of any country. And the implementation of Cyberspace ID may only make that system more robust.
The system arrives at a time when China has been processing huge quantities of data from across its sprawling network of facial-recognition cameras, drones, and digital platforms. President Xi Jinping has deemed data a key resource, just like land, labor, and money—and it is central to China's national strategy.
What is a Cyberspace ID?
The Cyberspace ID is a unique virtual ID system that assigns each network user a unique online number linked to their real identity. To enroll, users have to download a government app, enter their national ID in a form provided in the app, and submit to a facial recognition scan.
Upon approval, they are issued a digital certificate that will allow them to log in to platforms like WeChat, Taobao, and other websites. The government states that this system will cut down on fake accounts, prevent online scams, and create a safer digital world.
The program is overseen by the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China, two powerful agencies driving China's online regulations.
Why Is China Implementing It?
China officially announced that the aim is to improve cybersecurity and digital accessibility. According to the government, users will be able to access services easily with a single ID, without repeated identity checks. The system is also expected to help combat fraud, identity theft, and the spread of misinformation online.
Critics See a Different Purpose
Human rights organizations and digital privacy activists are warning that Cyberspace ID could put an end to online anonymity and lead to an increase in government surveillance. With every user's actions traceable, the state could follow opinions, block dissent, or punish critics in real time. Critics also fear data leaks, particularly after a recent hack of 1 billion police records in Shanghai.
Whereas the digital ID in Europe or India is often about service delivery, the Chinese one could end up being required just to use the internet. This would put the government almost entirely in control of the digital lives of its citizens.
