The State Council has started to process a draft law on personal information protection.

The law is designed to prevent information leakage, which often occurs when business cards are printed and resumes are sent to employers. Another more sensitive area identified by the proposed law is keeping medical records strictly confidential.

It would also provide a framework to impose fines or criminal charges against those found guilty of leaking others' personal information.

As requested by the Information Office of the State Council, the legislation was drafted by a group of experts from the legal research institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

(CRI April 6, 2005)