Online info rules help promote social harmony

BEIJING - China's top legislator said Friday that the rules on strengthening online information protection, which were approved by the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee last year, help promote social harmony and stability.

"This decision of the Standing Committee is of great significance for promoting social harmony, safeguarding national security and political stability, and ensuring enduring peace and stability of the country," Wu said, when reviewing the work of the 11th NPC Standing Committee over the past five years.

The 12-article decision on strengthening online information protection, which has the same legal effect as a law, was adopted by lawmakers at a session of the NPC Standing Committee last December.

The decision includes an identity management policy requiring Internet users to use their real names to identify themselves to service providers, including Internet or telecommunications operators.

It also empowers supervising departments to take necessary measures to prevent, stop or punish those who infringe upon online privacy rights.

Wu said the rules aim to ensure the law-based and orderly operation of Internet and protect the security of the electronic information of citizens and corporations.

In recent years, although playing an important part in boosting economic and social development, Internet technologies have caused serious problems, said Wu.

"There were extensive and loud calls in society for stronger social management of the Internet and crackdown on cyber crime," he said. "NPC deputies also put forth many bills and proposals, and demanded that a law on cyber security be enacted as soon as possible."

The NPC Standing Committee thoroughly reviewed practical experience in developing and managing Internet, analyzed other countries' legislation concerning the Internet, and solicited opinions from all sectors, and on this basis used statutory means to protect the security of the electronic information of citizens and legal persons and established the online ID management system, he said.