Mobile phone users will have to provide ID information

Although major Chinese mobile operators yesterday denied media reports that a real-name ID system will be adopted to mobile phone users as early as this April, experts said the practice is just a matter of time.

The Chinese government has been planning to introduce the real-name system to the mobile phone industry since 2005. The goal is to regulate the mobile communication market to prevent spam messages, pornographic materials, and rampant fraud via the cell phone.

Beijing Business Today reported on Tuesday that, as soon as this April, mobile phone users in Beijing will need to register their real names when purchasing SIM cards. Also, they will have to provide real personal information in the next three to four years.