China tackles growing identity crisis

The authorities are working to eradicate duplication of official documents after two well-publicized cases highlighted a rising problem, report Cao Yin in Beijing and Qi Xin in Zhengzhou, Henan province.

Thirty provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions are understood to be setting up a system to prevent identity theft in China. Although no details have yet been released, the system will ensure that the information given to authorities is accurate and that identity cards and hukou, or household registration certificates, match the named owners, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Keeping identity-related information secure has become a problem in China. In a report published in July, the Internet Society of China said 78.2 percent of netizens have had their personal details - names, addresses or identity numbers - disclosed without authorization.