A database recording the identity data of almost 1.3 billion Chinese citizens, established at the end of 2006, has now been implemented by the National Citizen Identify Information Center.

The vice director of the center, a subordinate to the Public Security Ministry, Lu Subing, said a system based on the database will also begin operations to provide identity info services.

With the precondition of privacy protection, the system will be a vital tool in preventing fraud and other crime related with fake ID cards. The system will also help maintain a safe and clean Internet, Lu said.

Fake ID cards have long been involved in criminal cases in China; among fraud crime cases, the majority of criminals use fake ID cards in the commission of their crimes.

So far, 960 million telephone and Internet users in China have been indexed in the system.

(CRI February 17, 2007)