Shenzhen Government Online
Retailers vow to protect consumers’ personal info
From: Shenzhen Daily
Updated: 2021-05-19 09:05

Hundreds of shopping centers in Shenzhen have promised to better protect personal information of consumers when receiving payments via QR code scanning.


Shenzhen Consumer Council and Futian District Consumer Council jointly unveiled the country’s first commitment letter on the protection of consumers’ personal information in connection with QR code scanning Monday.


As of Monday, a total of 345 shopping centers and retailers across the city signed the commitment, covering over 90 percent of the parking lots at major shopping centers and popular department stores, such as Rainbow and Vanguard, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.


The commitment promises to provide more choices to consumers. For example, consumers can chose either QR code scanning or going to cash counters to make their payment. Consumers will also not be forced to follow official accounts of businesses when they pay through QR codes.


The commitment also covers the protection of personal information. For instance, consumers will not be asked for an authorization for using personal information on WeChat when paying parking fees at shopping centers.


Businesses should abide by laws when collecting and using personal information, according to the commitment.


Over 95 percent of consumers showed their antipathy towards compulsory QR code scanning for consumption, according to a survey conducted by Shenzhen Consumer Council in March.



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