The Ministry of Public Security recently announced that China has launched a new pilot program on “Internet ID Cards” in Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Instead of using the personal ID to register for internet service, the new technology uses the applicants’ biometrics. To obtain a certificate, the applicant must provide the police with biological and personal data such as face, fingerprint and ID card chip. After verification, the Ministry of Public Security will issue a certificate. When netizens open or use different online services, they can use the certificate instead of entering identity information for authentication. According to the official statement, the network card is linked to the applicant’s biometrics and ID card, and has multiple passwords. It is extremely difficult to be forged.
The Ministry of Public Security chose Guangdong and Fujian as the pilot sites for network ID cards.
Source: Radio Free Asia, November 27, 2020
https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/GF1-11272020050155.html