Call to keep data safe

Registering users' actual names is a big step forward for China, but a new law is needed to safeguard privacy, experts tell Ma Si and Cao Yin.

Legislation will be essential to safeguarding users' private information on the Internet, as China is promoting a nationwide online real-name system, experts said.

Requiring users to register online accounts with their real names can help stem rumors, violence and other cyber crimes, but a more detailed law is needed to help protect users' privacy, according to experts.