National online identity authentication
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| National online identity authentication | |||||||
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| Simplified Chinese | 国家网络身份认证 | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 國家網路身分認證 | ||||||
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National online identity authentication is an online real-name authentication method in the People's Republic of China. It is promoted by the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China.
Through the National Network Identity Authentication app, Chinese netizens are able to submit their personal information to receive an "Internet certificate", a unique code that can be used to verify real-name identities and access online accounts. They no longer need to disclose their personal information to private companies and online platforms in order to use online services, though government authorities continue to have access to such information. The policy caused considerable debate after its release.
In the 2010s, China started implementing an Internet real-name system, requiring netizens to submit personal information such as ID or phone numbers while using online services by Internet companies.[1] An official ID has been required to register a mobile phone number since 2010, while a real-name system was established for instant messaging, microblogs, online forums and other websites in 2017.[2]
History
On July 26, 2024, the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China issued the "National Network Identity Authentication Public Service Management Measures (Draft for Comments)"[3][4] on the grounds of strengthening the protection of citizens' personal information.[5] The laws and regulations are based on the Cybersecurity Law implemented in 2017, the Data Security Law implemented in 2021, the Personal Information Protection Law implemented in 2021, and the Anti-Telecom Network Fraud Law implemented in 2022.[6]
On May 23, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Health Commission, the National Radio and Television Administration and other six departments jointly announced the National Internet Identity Authentication Public Service Management Measures, which came into effect on July 15.[1] The Measures stipulate that the application for Internet numbers and Internet certificates is voluntary. Natural persons under the age of 14 must obtain the consent of their parents or other guardians and apply on their behalf; natural persons who are at least 14 years old but under 18 years old must apply under the supervision of their parents or other guardians.[7][8]