Latest news with #CyberspaceID
International Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- International Business Times
What Is Cyberspace ID? China to Launch National Digital ID Program, Reinforces Digital Control Era
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.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Business
- First Post
This July 15, China plans to change the world of digital control forever
China is all set to unveil its 'Cyberspace ID,' a national digital ID system that centralises online identity verification under tight state control. read more The Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping, now views data as a vital resource, on par with labour, capital, and land. Source: Reuters With 1.1 billion internet users and a sprawling web of facial-recognition cameras, China generates more data than any other country on the planet. The rise of technologies like drones and autonomous vehicles is supercharging both the volume and value of this data, making it a cornerstone of China's economic and security strategy. The Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping, now views data as a vital resource, on par with labour, capital, and land, making it a significant factor in national planning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's Cyberspace ID programme On July 15, China will unveil its 'Cyberspace ID,' a national digital ID system that centralises online identity verification under tight state control, reported the Economist. While officials insist it's optional, digital rights groups and analysts warn it could soon be mandatory for accessing most online platforms, from shopping on Taobao to chatting on WeChat. To sign up, users must download a government app, submit their national ID, and pass facial recognition. In return, they get a unique web number and digital certificate for logging into various services. The government pitches this as a cybersecurity win, promising smoother verification and safer online interactions. But there's a darker side. Ramped-up surveillance Critics see the Cyberspace ID as a tool to dismantle online anonymity and ramp up China's already intense surveillance and censorship. Unlike digital IDs in places like India or Europe, which focus on public services, this system could become a master key to all internet activity, giving the state unprecedented oversight. Overseen by the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China, the system is already gaining steam. Human rights advocates warn it could be weaponised to track, silence, or erase dissenters in real-time across multiple platforms. Plus, centralising such sensitive data creates a single point of failure, raising fears of catastrophic breaches. For instance, Shanghai police recently lost 1 billion records to a hacker. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China's push to control its digital realm reflects its broader ambition to dominate through data. While the government frames the Cyberspace ID as a step toward security and efficiency, critics argue it's a leap toward tighter control over citizens' lives.
