BEIJING - Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday started deliberating a draft law on personal information protection to further regulate the collection and use of personal data.

The draft was submitted for the first reading at the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

During the 22nd session of the 13th NPC's Standing Committee, lawmakers would also review draft laws on biosecurity, export control, Yangtze River conservation, veterans support and coast guard

Personal consent should be obtained on the premise of prior notification for handling private information, and individuals have the right to withdraw their consent, said the draft, adding that when significant details change, consent shall be obtained again.

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No product or service shall be denied on the grounds of personal disagreement, the draft noted.

Before processing personal information, the data processor shall inform the individual of matters such as the identity and contact information of the processor, the purpose and method of processing, the type of personal information to be processed, and the retention period, all in a conspicuous way and clear and easy-to-understand language, the draft required.

By March 2020, China had 900 million internet users, more than 4 million websites, and more than 3 million applications, according to an introduction of the draft law. 

During the 22nd session of the 13th NPC's Standing Committee, lawmakers would also review draft laws on biosecurity, export control, Yangtze River conservation, veterans support and coast guard.

They are also expected to deliberate a draft amendment to the Patent Law, a draft revision to the Law on the Protection of Minors, draft amendments to the National Flag Law and the National Emblem Law, a draft amendment to the Criminal Law and a draft revision to the Administrative Penalty Law.

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A draft amendment to the Electoral Law of the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses, a draft revision to the Wildlife Protection Law and a draft revision to the National Defense Law will also be reviewed, according to the agenda. 

Lowering age of criminal liability

Lawmakers are also mulling over lowering the minimum age at which a minor can be convicted to 12, in individual cases under specific circumstances. The proposal was made in a draft amendment to the Criminal Law that was submitted on Tuesday.

If a juvenile who has reached the age of 12, but is under 14, commits intentional homicide or inflicts an injury that leads to death under flagrant circumstances, he or she shall bear criminal responsibility upon attestation and approval of the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP), according to the draft.

Currently, minors under the age of 14 do not bear any criminal responsibility in China. However, some high-profile cases involving violent crimes committed by underage youths in recent years have sparked a heated debate on the minimum age of criminal liability.