Personal info of infected must be protected: China Daily editorial

That another woman infected with the novel coronavirus has been subject to harassment both online and offline after her personal information was leaked shows once again how important it is to protect the details of those found to be infected.

In the latest incident, the address, phone number and even ID card number of a woman in Chongqing was posted online. As a result, she and her family were subjected to telephone and online abuse.

Preconceptions about the person and fear of the virus prompt some to sit in judgment.

It is a misfortune for anyone to be infected with the virus. That misfortune is compounded when it makes a person subject to public finger pointing or attacks of one sort or another. It is not the first time that the detailed personal information of a novel coronavirus patient has been leaked online. It has been reported that at least 10 people have suffered a great deal because of their personal information being made public online.

On the one hand, those departments or individuals having access to the personal information of those infected with the virus need to shoulder their responsibility to protect the names, addresses and ID card numbers of patients, so as to not cause problems for those infected.

There should be strict rules prohibiting those involved from leaking the personal information of those infected with the virus and detailed clauses on how they should be held accountable if they do.

As far as the recent case in Chengdu, Sichuan province, and the one in Chongqing are concerned, investigations need to be conducted to find out the sources of the leaks. And those responsible must be held accountable.

On the other hand, the general public needs to act responsibly and never reveal the personal information of others on social media.

In addition, the government department concerned needs to release information about the activities of those who are infected with the virus in a timely manner. This will help prevent any rumors from spreading and prevent any public panic about the risk of being exposed to the virus.

A law for personal information protection is in the pipeline, but in the meantime there are specifications in other laws and regulations that can apply in the punishment of those who intentionally leak or reveal to others the personal information of people infected with the virus.

Only when those held responsible receive due punishment will others know that they must toe the line as far as the management of personal information is concerned.