The measure was discussed in a meeting led by Guo Shengkun, public security minister and head of China’s anti-terrorism leading group. (Photo : Reuters)
After authorities in the Xinjiang autonomous zone enforced fireworks-related regulations in early January, a new announcement was made this week to curb violence and the dissemination of detrimental content.
After people in the region were required to present ID cards when purchasing fireworks for Chinese New Year, they will soon need to register personal details with police when they buy cell phones, computers and corresponding electronic products.
According to the Shanghai Daily publication, the new regulations are designed to "prevent people spreading harmful information and carrying out illegal activities."
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region borders Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the majority Han Chinese have recently been engaged in conflict with an opposition force that mainly consists of the Muslim Uyghur people.
Any electronic device with storage, communication and broadcast functions is considered a potential threat by the region's authorities. Relevant retailers will now need to install software that will enable them to provide updated data to local police on transactions involving such equipment. Outlets that sell used goods also fall under the scope of the new regulations.
For second-hand goods, business owners must register all cellphones and computers with the police, who will then upload information on the previous owners of the device, as well as the brand, model and MAC addresses in their database.
Authorities have stipulated that the records must be updated with each transaction, while the data is maintained on the system for at least two years.
Furthermore, all electronics shops must install surveillance cameras to monitor activity within the service area of their premises, and video footage must be kept by store owners for a minimum 30-day period. The new regulations will mean that these businesses will need to register details with both the local police and the local business bureau.
The sale of unregistered SIM cards and WiFi services is also prohibited. However, at the time of the media reports that emerged on Friday, the date when the new regulations will become effective was not known.
