Chinese Academy of Social Sciences: ‘Real Name’ Weibo Isn’t A Viable Solution

The Chinese citizens national ID card. All Weibo social networks need your ID number and real name starting next month.

The real name requirements for Weibo in China is about to get realer. On March 16, 2012, all Twitter-like service providers in China need personal ID data from all users (old and new). Even though you may still post under your alias, they’d know who, say, “TomCat1234” would be, as they have your ID data on file.

In a recent Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) Annual Report on China’s Rule of Law, as reported by China.com.cn, the real ID requirement has been singled out as something that could “bring new uncertainty in building the rule of law on the Internet.”

The report points out that the real ID requirement is actually a way to limit freedom of expression, because anonymous expression would no longer be permitted. Although it’s true that the ID requirement might stop some rumors in the making, the requirement would also make the Weibo lose its function as an open forum for constructive dialog. The report advocates that the rules think twice before implementing the real ID requirements.

CASS also points out the extra paperwork and a lack of information privacy laws in China as being unconstructive to the new ID requirement. It points out that the new requirement might invade upon the rights of the individual to speak his or her mind, which is going to be a big minus for the future of the Weibo.

We’ve just under a month until the new Weibo real ID rules kick in — and this year is going to be a pretty ‘sensitive’ one for China with the transition to a new leadership. While we might not be surprised if the ID requirement kicks in for real, the controversy surrounding the policy might still be too much. And if it implodes in the end… would we be surprised as well?