E-ID cards to better protect privacy

Public security experts have developed a type of electronic identity card that will better safeguard personal information and Internet security.

The e-ID, which employs sophisticated security techniques approved by the State Security Cryptography Administration Office, prevents card information from being read, copied, changed or used, said Yan Zeming, a principal investigator with the Third Institute of the Ministry of Public Security.

With personal information stored in a chip embedded in a bank card, the e-ID will allow for easier, safer online shopping by eliminating complicated submissions, Yan said at the ongoing China International Industry Fair in Shanghai.

The institute is trying out the technology in localities across China, with some 6 million "e-ID" bank cards being issued.