National online identity authentication

National online identity authentication is an upcoming non-mandatory online real-name authentication method in China. It is promoted by the Ministry of Public Security and the Cyberspace Administration of China.

Through the National Online Identity Authentication Public Service Platform, "Internet numbers" and "Internet certificates" will be issued to Chinese netizens in a non-plaintext manner to register and verify real-name identities. According to the Draft for Comments, netizens who use this method to authenticate their Internet services in China need to submit their personal identity information to government agencies in accordance with apply for "Internet numbers" and "Internet certificates". They no longer need to disclose their personal information to general enterprises and online platforms in order to use online services. This policy caused considerable debate after its release.