China is set to start experimenting with a real-name verification system based on blockchain, which authorities say will allow internet users to log into online platforms without using their personal information such as phone numbers.
China’s state-backed Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN) and the Ministry of Public Security’s First Research Institute together launched the Real-Name Decentralised Identifier (RealDID) system on Tuesday. The event was also attended by officials from the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Data Administration.
Anicert, a subsidiary of the research institute, will be responsible for issuing, managing and verifying user identities through its Cyber Trusted Identity (CTID), which is already used by banks and other institutions to verify Chinese identities.
The new project aims to eventually cover all 1.4 billion Chinese citizens, but BSN has acknowledged that ramping up will be slow. It expects to issue 5 million RealDIDs over the next year across different pilot projects, BSN said in a blog post on Wednesday.
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