Personal information of deceased could be protected

Personal information of the deceased is expected to be protected as part of an updated draft law, Zang Tiewei, a spokesman for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, the country's top legislature, said on Thursday.

The content related to the deceased has been added in the draft law on personal information protection, which will be submitted to a session of the NPC Standing Committee for a second review next week, Zang told a news conference.

No further details were given about protecting the personal information of those who have died.

As for the draft law, Zang said it also highlighted the principle that those handling personal information should fully inform the owners of that information and get their permission before collecting, storing or using it.

Individuals or organizations "shouldn't refuse to offer products or services, even if their consumers don't agree to provide personal information," he added.

Meanwhile, the top legislature will continue reviewing a draft law on food waste prevention during its session, which is scheduled to open on Monday, according to Zang.

Moreover, several other draft laws, such as the ones on rural vitalization promotion, data security, Hainan Free Trade Port, supervisors and futures, are also expected to be deliberated during the session, he added.