Rights Defenders Criticize Upcoming Rollout of National Internet ID System

Rights Defenders Criticize Upcoming Rollout of National Internet ID System

Last summer, the Chinese government released a proposal for a national internet ID system. The proposal was met with strong opposition, which was heavily censored online. (See CDT’s past coverage for examples.) The final rules for this new system were then released in May of this year, will be implemented on July 15, and remain largely similar to the original draft that was widely criticized. As the rollout date approaches, experts and activists…

China to Launch State-Controlled National Internet ID System in 2025

China is preparing to launch a new state-issued national internet ID system on July 15, 2025, which will centralize user identity verification under government oversight. The system will provide users with a virtual ID for signing into various social media platforms and websites, building upon earlier proposals from the Ministry of Public Security and Cyberspace Administration of China to establish unified network authentication services. Accord…