Student data bought and sold online after gaokao
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Recently a news report uncovering the theft of personal data from thousands of registered gaokao (the national college entrance exam) examinees in one province has sparked concern of millions across the country.
According to the Qianjiang Evening News report, the personal data of gaokao examinees in Zhejiang Province data were available for purchase online, including student names, ID card numbers, home addresses and telephone numbers.
A reporter from Qianjiang Evening News spent only 291 yuan ($43) to acquire a list of thousands of students, later verified to be 100 percent accurate. All students listed are residents of Quzhou, Zhejiang.
According to some students listed, local businesses have been calling ever since their exam last month.
"Tour agencies asking whether I plan to travel, a restaurant promoting 'teacher appreciation banquets' and another one suggesting I take photos to commemorate my gaokao," said Zhang Xiaonan (pseudonym).
According to a recent investigation, Fang Qiushui, director of the local educational bureau, provided clues, including informing authorities of a missing computer storing student data from Duze High School.
Quzhou gaokao examinees are not the only ones dealing with unsolicited calls.
A student surnamed Wang in Shenyang, Liaoning Province admitted two calls just before her gaokao score came out. The calls were from two private colleges in Beijing and Sichuan Province looking to enroll her.
"I asked where they got my number, and they said it was from our school," said Wang.
An anonymous online seller of such student data verified that some lists are indeed bought from high school teachers, while that most of their customers are private colleges.
Tang Niu, a lawyer at a Zhejiang-based law firm, said that according to Chinese law, personal information cannot be transferred or traded without consent.
"When one finds his personal information has been disclosed and is being called frequently, he could charge the caller with harassment," explains Tang. "If the leak of information can be traced back to the education system, persons involved will also be charged."
