Drop hypocritical criticism of China's anti-terror law

BEIJING - It's hypocritical to criticise China's requirements for technical support from companies in fighting terrorism, as stipulated in China's counter-terrorism law.

The recently adopted law requires telecom and Internet service providers to provide technical interfaces, decryption and other assistance in case of anti-terror probes. Some critics say this would lead to a breach of privacy and infringement upon intellectual property rights.

Such remarks showed indifference to the need to protect people from terrorist attacks and revealed double standards in judging China's fight against terrorism.

In China, as well as in many other countries and regions in the world, the Internet is increasingly being used by terrorist groups to spread their extremist ideas, recruit fighters, channel funds, plot attacks and incite followers.

Cyber space should not be turned into a ground that breeds terrorism. Asking technology firms to help fight terror comes from the important need to safeguard peace, stability and human lives.

In addition, it is a common practice in the international community and conforms with the law.

Many countries, including the United States, have written into law a technology firms' duty to cooperate in terror-related surveillance or probe.

To avoid abuse of the legislation and violation of human rights, Chinese lawmakers have made it clear that all counter-terrorism work should be carried out in accordance with law, protecting citizens' legal rights and freedom.

China has stressed that the requirement for technical assistance from companies needs to go through a rigid procedure of approval and authorization and its use is strictly limited to public security organs and national security agencies.

The law stipulates that governments and individuals who leak commercial secretes and privacy would be held responsible according to the law.

It should be noted that the requirements for technical assistance apply to companies from both home and abroad. The country does not intend to pose any unfair regulatory pressure targeting foreign companies.

Furthermore, a safer China means a better environment for foreign companies doing business in China.

Finger pointing and exercising double standards will only undermine the global united front to fight against terrorism. If they keep the common interests of mankind in mind, some people would know which side to stand for.