Over 90 percent of respondents have used face recognition, generally for e-payment, according to a report by the Personal Information Protection Task Force on Apps on face recognition application on October 13. However, the report says over 60 percent of people think the technology has been abused, while 30 percent faced problems, including violation of privacy and property loss.

Risks usually happen in data storage and application. Unscrupulous companies can take advantage of science and technology and the market to collect and use private information excessively. Although China has strict regulation on those processes, personal information security is not guaranteed due to the lack of uniform industry standards.

Therefore, the authorities should improve policies and regulations related to personal data protection with a standard for the industry. Technology developers and app operators can help relevant departments crack down on illegal actions. Governmental supervision is vital to enhance information security.

Companies should adhere to ethics in science and technology, ensuring their business operations are legal. During research and development, users' privacy needs to be given the same importance as technological innovation. Also, people should strengthen their awareness of information security protection and avoid behaviors that carry risks.

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Beijing Youth Daily on October 28

(Print Edition Title: Strengthening Information Security)