Law on personal info protection welcomed

Editor's Note: The national legislature has hastened the pace of drafting a law to protect personal information so that people's privacy and security can be better protected, according to Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the National People's Congress. Why does China need to step up efforts to protect the personal data of people? Two experts share their views on the issue with China Daily's Liu Jianna. Excerpts follow:

Proposed law is likely to be comprehensive

The development of the internet industry has made people's everyday life much more convenient than we could think even a decade ago. But it has also increased the risk of individuals' information being misused. According to China Consumers Association, the personal information of more than 85 percent of consumers surveyed has been leaked.

Some apps on mobile phones reportedly collect or transmit the phone owners' information without their consent, even without their knowledge.

Perhaps the biggest reason why people's personal information are stolen and misused in China is the lack of a systemic and comprehensive law on the protection of personal information, though multiple laws including the Criminal Law, the Cyber Security Law and the E-Commerce Law have relevant articles on protection of personal information.

The rampant misuse and illegal sale of individuals' personal information have not only caused harassment to people but also cost a few people their lives.

That's why the expedited legislation process to enact such a law is welcome news.

Hopefully, the proposed law will elucidate the importance and uses of different kinds of information, and the rights and duties of different entities including governments, enterprises and individuals to avoid confusion over the possible use, regulation and transaction of information. The proposed law is also expected to prescribe severe punishments for the misuse, theft and illegal sale of personal information.