Real-name parcel deliveries raise concerns

A courier en route to deliver packages in Beiing, Oct 11, 2014. [Photo/IC]

Since Sunday, senders of parcels have been required by law to provide personal identification and the contact details of all recipients. However, many companies are not carrying out the regulation as required. Comments:

For most customers using a parcel delivery service, whether their personal information will be safe and sound is their primary concern. Therefore, given the possible privacy threat under the latest real-name regulations, it has to be made clear who is responsible for protecting users' information from being illegally exploited. The promotion of real-name package deliveries can only proceed when customers are in favor of it, and safe in the knowledge that their personnel information will not be misused.

Legal Daily, Nov 3

The best way to avoid dangerous parcels that include explosives and poisonous chemicals, is to put all deliveries under strict supervision and security checks, not introducing the real-name registration system. The latter will only raise people's concern over possible theft of their personal information.

Chongqing Times, Nov 3

There are two major hindrances to China's nationwide promotion of real-name parcel deliveries. The first one is the widespread concern over the potential misuse of personal information, because the recipient's information may not be protected well throughout a delivery. The second is that many package delivery companies are not keen on adopting the real-name policy as the stricter regulations mean they need to purchase expensive equipment for checking parcels and they will be less efficient as the procedures take longer.

Beijing Youth Daily, Nov 3

It is true that the real-name registration system has become an extra burden on not only the package delivery industry, but also the recipients and senders of parcels. But a variety of security loopholes in the industry are likely to be exploited by some criminals for illegal purposes, posing a grave challenge to citizens' safety and property. That being said, it is more than necessary to bear such a "burden" to inject the "safety-first" mentality into parcel delivery service providers.

Zhejiang Daily, Nov 4