Recently, news of the Chinese Communist Party’s plan to issue unified internet numbers and certificates for the public has sparked widespread concern. Experts analyze that the CCP faces enormous pressure in maintaining stability, and is increasingly relying on high-tech surveillance. This is a disguised form of internet real-name registration, transforming the virtual world into a digital prison through electronic monitoring.
The Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China announced on July 26 in a notice that they will use a national unified network identity authentication platform to provide services for individuals to apply for internet numbers, internet certificates, and undergo identity verification.
The “internet number” consists of letters and numbers linked to individuals’ personal information but does not publicly display personal data. The “internet certificate” carries the “internet number” as a network identity authentication certificate.
According to the announcement, individuals with valid legal identification can “voluntarily” apply for internet numbers and certificates through the public service platform. Official Chinese media explained that the implementation of this plan is to “reduce the risk of information leakage” and curb excessive collection of personal information by platforms.
Online users expressed concerns, stating that “the walls are getting higher”, and “the internet chains are getting tighter.” Some pointed out that while previously banned Chinese internet users could change phone numbers or buy new accounts, with the unique internet certificate and number, being banned now means a permanent ban.
Users worry that the Chinese government’s issuance of internet numbers and certificates to the public aims to verify users’ real identities in online services and control speech. They fear that in the future, being banned means having their internet number blocked across all platforms simultaneously.
Zhao Wei, Deputy Director of the Communication Law Research Center at China University of Political Science and Law, suggested that the implementation of internet certificates and numbers could enable authorities to ban the internet certificates of telecommunications scammers, preventing them from switching platforms or phone numbers. It is noteworthy that the Chinese authorities often use “fraud” as a reason to block information they do not like.
Some also pointed out that internet numbers and certificates are another form of real-name registration, allowing the government to know who you are while internet platforms cannot. However, it is indicated that the most severe personal information leaks occur through government information platforms (such as the Shanghai Public Security Bureau) and state-owned enterprises (such as China Mobile).
Users do not fully accept the idea of voluntary application for internet numbers and certificates. Comparisons were made to voluntary COVID-19 testing and how freedom of speech does not necessarily guarantee personal freedom afterward. Many expressed skepticism and doubts about the CCP’s intentions.
Yi Suijun, a YouTuber known as “Chronicles of Fragments,” believes that internet certificates and numbers are primarily aimed at preventing forces outside public authority from accessing personal data of Chinese citizens, facilitating speech control, and shielding individuals supported by the government from exposure and online attacks.
In recent years, the Chinese government’s “closing off” the internet has become increasingly apparent. Besides restricting domestic users from accessing foreign websites and universities, more restrictions are imposed on overseas users accessing Chinese resources. For instance, overseas users trying to access certain Chinese websites are met with messages such as “current region does not support access” or “the URL you are trying to visit may pose a security threat, your access is blocked.”
Moreover, registering on Weibo from overseas is nearly impossible (verification code not received), and QQ login requires real-name authentication. Recent feedback indicates that overseas users struggle to register for Taobao, receiving messages like “malicious registration from overseas,” leading to permanent penalties upon registration.
Zu Wang, a Chinese-American communication network engineer in Silicon Valley, when interviewed by Epoch Times, described internet certificates as a product of comprehensive surveillance that became opportune during the pandemic. He suggested its technological implementation linked to pandemic management and reinforced the digital encroachment. The advancement of technology has led to the emergence of internet certificates and numbers, serving the interests of a bureaucratic system, entrenching an interest group advancing technological control and surveillance.
Wang suggested that under the current control measures, a tiered management system might be used to restrict online speech freedom rather than complete censorship. There could potentially be a color-coded management system, such as orange alerts, red bans, and yellow warnings.
The Chinese authorities have long sought the implementation of internet certificates. As early as November 2020, at the Wuzhen “World Internet Conference,” the Chinese Ministry of Public Security’s First Research Institute proposed the “Resident Identity Network Trust Certificate” (also known as network identity card, internet certificate, or CTID).
Applicants are required to provide facial, fingerprint, and ID chip biometric data to the police for verification, and upon confirmation, the Ministry issues the internet certificate. The “internet certificate” can be used by individual users for identity verification when using apps requiring authentication with personal information.
Regarding implementation, Wang stated that these internet certificates and numbers are tied to mobile phones, basically acting as an electronic ID card attached to the phone. He compared modern reality to George Orwell’s “1984,” emphasizing that China has manifested a reality Orwell didn’t foresee, with constant surveillance and digital control prevailing in 2024.
He added, “The social credit system will not disappear; it will only change in form. First, the CCP’s core assets cannot be abandoned, and the combination of the earliest internet projects, like the Golden Shield Project, Sky Net Project, social credit, real-time GPS tracking through 5G, and numerous monitoring efforts, creates a perfect surveillance loop from the authorities’ perspective.”
Regarding the primary targets of the internet certificates, Wang suggested that as a major political policy, it isn’t solely aimed at dissenters or minority groups but is a response to an objective pressing need. With China’s 800 million internet users, it is impossible to monitor everyone individually, hence the necessity for big data surveillance.
He emphasized, “Most of China’s population resides in small towns, where the real sentiments lie, especially in remote areas where governance is challenging. The initiative may start in major cities, but with mobile phones ubiquitous, it can be enforced nationwide.”
Wang, being a Chinese-American communication network engineer in Silicon Valley, described as an “awakening engineer,” has long opposed the digital authoritarianism under the Chinese Communist regime. He encourages all technology practitioners to awaken and assume responsibility, refraining from aiding oppressive regimes.