China streamlines social aid, boosts data protection

Following the adoption of a new law, the application process for social assistance in China will become more streamlined, while protection of applicants' personal data will be significantly strengthened.

The Social Assistance Law, consisting of 78 articles in seven chapters, was passed Thursday by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, at the close of its latest session. The law will take effect on July 1.

The law aims to improve the social assistance workflow, making it easier for those in need to access support, while prioritizing protection of applicants' personal information as a fundamental principle outlined in the first chapter.

The law stipulates that applicants must provide information relevant to social assistance and requires their consent for such data to be verified by social assistance management authorities. It strictly prohibits the leaking, selling or unlawful provision of personal information and sets penalties for violations.