US Embassy in China Photo: cnsphoto
"Is it illegal for the US Embassy and Consulates in China to ask Chinese employees to disclose their social media accounts, assets, and information of neighbors and friends?"
Recently, Li Ming (pseudonym), who said to have worked at the US Embassy and Consulates in China, posted this question on a popular Chinese Q&A social media platform.
Li said the US Embassy and Consulates conducted background vetting on Chinese employees once in several years. Such vetting touches on personal privacy and the Chinese employees were told that all information may be turned over to the US intelligence agencies. Although the US Embassy and Consulates said Chinese employees can register their information voluntarily, in reality, if they refuse, their work would be affected.
"The US claims to protect personal privacy and respect human rights, while its behavior shows the country adopts such typical double standards," Li said in the post.
Has the US Embassy and Consulates violated the privacy of Chinese employees? The Global Times recently interviewed several Chinese employees who had worked at the embassy and consulates including Li Ming, who said the job looks decent but is not that good at all. Under the cover of background vetting, the US Embassy and Consulates forced Chinese employees to submit their personal, family members and even their neighbors' information. The vetting made them feel like they were being interrogated.
The US Embassy and Consulates in China has not replied to the Global Times interview request as of press time. Chinese experts said that the practice of the US Embassy and Consulates is typical of excessive data collection and completely violates the relevant provisions in China's Personal Information Protection Law.
Sub ..
Support the originator by clicking the read the rest link below.
