ID rule sparks privacy concern

Shanghai - Although the majority of mobile phone users have backed a new policy that requires them to register their real names, some of them are worried the rule, which came into effect nationwide on Wednesday, may violate their privacy.

While more than 80 percent of those surveyed showed support for the real-name registration system for mobile phone users, 34.6 percent expressed worries that their personal information could be leaked and abused, according to an ongoing online poll conducted by Chinanews.com. The results are based on the opinions of 6,237 people who participated in the poll.

"The procedure of registration does not bother me. But I am really concerned about any leakage of my personal information," said Zhao Chen, 27, a Beijing resident. "If I have to register with my ID, it just feels I will be watched whenever I use my phone."