Beijing: The Chinese government's proposal to introduce a national internet ID system has ignited a heated debate, both domestically and internationally. The draft regulations, released by the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), would require internet users to obtain cyberspace IDs before accessing online services. Although the system is described as voluntary, critics fear it will further stifle online freedom and tighten the government’s control over digital spaces.

The draft proposal's release coincides with the Chinese Communist Party's annual Beidaihe meeting, raising concerns about the timing and intent behind the regulations. This is not the first time the Xi administration has sought to regulate online behavior. In December 2023, China introduced a "national internet laws and regulations knowledge cloud competition," a gamified approach to censorship and surveillance, which focused on promoting proper socialist internet use and compliance with the country's stringent cyber laws.

The proposed internet ID system has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a continuation of Beijing's efforts to suppress dissent and monitor online activity. “Protection of personal information is just a pretext; the new system is actually aimed at restricting individuals' opinions on the internet,” one critic posted online before their comment was deleted by authorities.

Experts warn that the ID system could further erode anonymity online. Websites and apps in China already require users to verify their identities with phone numbers linked to their personal ID numbers. The new proposal could centralize this verification process under government control, making it even harder for users to remain anonymous.

Legal experts and scholars have voiced their concerns over the implications of the proposed system. Tom Nunlist, associate director at the China-focused consultancy Trivium, noted that the system could “significantly expand the government’s ability to monitor people’s activity online, giving the police much greater insight into what people are doing.” Rose Luqiu, an assistant professor of journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University, added that the system would allow regulators to monitor every online action, potentially altering user behavior out of fear of surveillance.

The system has drawn comparisons to the health code apps used during China's strict zero-COVID lockdowns, which were criticized for their role in enforcing movement restrictions and stoking public frustration. Lao Dongyan, a law professor at Tsinghua University, warned that the internet ID could make social control routine, while Shen Kui, a professor at Peking University, argued that the system could instill fear in users, deterring them from freely accessing the internet.

In response to the criticism, the Ministry of Public Security and the CAC have defended the proposal, claiming that the internet ID system is intended to protect privacy and prevent online fraud. They argue that it would reduce the excessive collection and retention of personal information by internet platforms. However, critics remain skeptical, viewing the proposal as a further attempt to consolidate the government’s control over online speech.

As the draft regulations remain open for public comment until the end of August, the debate over the national internet ID system continues to intensify. The outcome of this proposal could have far-reaching implications for digital freedoms and the future of online expression in China.