Global Policy Brief > China to Launch National Marriage Database

China to Launch National Marriage Database

January 17, 2012

CNN reported that the Chinese government plans to launch next year a national online marriage database as a way to fight bigamy. Coming on the heels of reports that hackers gained access to the personal information of six million users of the China Software Developer Network, the announcement has raised concerns about the safety of the marriage database, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the article, the Ministry of Civil Affairs dismissed those concerns, saying more than 20 provinces have already digitized local marriage registrations.

Dou Yupei, the vice minister of civil affairs, said about the database, "It will not only provide technical support to improve our marriage management and services, but also will act as a protective screen against illegal act such as bigamy and the concealment of marriage."

According to the article, work and migration force many couples to live apart, which makes bigamy a big problem in China.

CNN reported that the database is expected to be completed within five years and will include marriages dating back to 1949.

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