Consumers will soon get greater contract protection to ensure their repairs are done on time, for the agreed fee and without divulging any of the owner's private information.

Drafted by the Shanghai Computer Industry Association, a sample contract will first be promoted among the group's members, which include about 200 stores operated by more than 10 companies, such as Hisap and Cyber Mart.

Consumers can now comment on the sample, which is displayed on the Web site of the Shanghai Industrial and Commercial Administrative Bureau. Suggestions will be accepted until the end of the month.

"Signing a contract will make it easier for consumers to protect their rights under the law," said Wu Lijun, an official with the bureau's contract management section.

Wu reminded consumers to repair their computers only at certificated stores.

"Some small stores along the streets may offer a favorable price, but the service quality and the safety of the information on the computer cannot be ensured," he said.

The privacy issue surfaced at the beginning of the year when raunchy photos of Hong Kong star Edison Chan and other celebrities were leaked after Chan sent his computer out for repair.

Lily Zhang, who works for a translation company, said she usually copies important, private information, such as MSN talk records, and deletes them from her hard drive before sending the computer to the shop.

"I suppose I'd feel a bit at ease if I could sign a contract," she said.

The association said it will also release some new policies to go with the contract.

"Signing a contract is only the first step," said Wang Keqin, the association's deputy director. "Other policies, such as providing free tests on repaired computers, are also on our schedule to improve computer services."

(Shanghai Daily August 26,  2008)