Have you heard about the national online identity authentication? The Ministry of Public Security has been promoting it lately, saying it can protect personal information.

I’ve heard a bit. Is it the one that uses a 'Net ID' and a 'Net Certificate' instead of ID card details when you go online? Sounds like a good idea.

Yes. In short, the state issues you a 'Net ID' consisting of 10 numbers and letters, so platforms can’t see your real name or ID number, but the state can still verify that you are you.

Sounds good, but how is it working in practice? I saw news that only a little over 400 apps have integrated it so far—less than 1% of the market—so many common apps still don’t support it.

Right, and there’s also 'soft resistance'. For example, some banking apps still require uploading an ID card even if you use the service, and shopping platforms still force phone-number binding, which can be more cumbersome than just entering your ID.

What about user acceptance? At our school most teachers don’t even know about it, and I heard phones must support NFC to use it.

Exactly. Out of 1 billion internet users nationwide, fewer than 1% have enabled it. 'Don’t know, don’t know how, can’t use' are the main problems. But in the long run it’s the right direction as personal information protection grows in importance.

I think the key is balancing convenience and security. If it’s too complicated, people won’t use it. Hopefully the tech matures and coverage expands.