China Launches RealDID for Blockchain-Based Identity Verification of 1.4 Billion Citizens

China is taking a significant leap in digital identity verification by introducing the RealDID service, a blockchain-based initiative aimed at encompassing its 1.4 billion citizens. This announcement, made at a recent conference in Beijing, marks a crucial step in China’s ambitious plan to integrate blockchain technology into national identification systems.

RealDID: China’s National-Level Decentralized ID System

The RealDID service, a joint venture between China’s Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN) and the Ministry of Public Security, represents the country’s first national-level decentralized ID system. It integrates the BSN’s infrastructure with the Cyber Technology Identity Card (CTID) chain, adopting a model of “anonymity at the front desk and real name at the backend.” This approach is designed to meet the dual requirements of user anonymity and verified identity.

Impact on Digital Economy and National Data Infrastructure

Officially launching soon, RealDID is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing China’s digital economy and national data infrastructure. It aims to provide “authoritative, safe, credible, and convenient” unified network identity authentication services across various societal sectors, including government, transportation, healthcare, financial services, and digital communications.

While the widespread implementation of such a system might raise data privacy concerns, the RealDID service is being launched with several application scenarios, including the BSN personal privacy protection login service. Users will have control over their digital identities and the information they choose to disclose, allowing them to manage their privacy actively.

Businesses utilizing the RealDID service will be required to access only “necessary and minimized” information from users. This mandate is intended to bolster their capabilities in protecting personal privacy and ensuring data security, thereby addressing potential privacy concerns associated with the service.

China’s RealDID service stands as a groundbreaking development in blockchain-based identity verification. By offering a decentralized ID system that balances user privacy with authoritative verification, China is paving the way for a new era in digital identity management. As the service rolls out, it is expected to significantly impact various aspects of daily life and business operations, setting a new standard in the field of digital identity verification.