吸毒记录封存热议：并非不留痕

Core Viewpoint - The newly revised Public Security Administration Punishment Law, effective from January 1, 2026, introduces a clause for "sealing administrative violation records," which has sparked significant public debate regarding its implications for social governance and public safety [3][4]. Summary by Sections Sealing of Records - The new law stipulates that records of administrative violations should be sealed and not disclosed to any individual or organization, except for specific state agencies for case handling or authorized inquiries, which must maintain confidentiality [6][5]. - The sealing of records is not a complete erasure but a restriction on access, aimed at preventing the arbitrary disclosure of personal information and reducing the stigma faced by individuals with prior violations [6][5]. Controversy Over Drug Use Records - Public sentiment is generally understanding towards the sealing of administrative violation records, but there is strong opposition specifically regarding the sealing of records related to drug use, which many view as undermining the "zero tolerance" policy towards drugs [7][8]. - The law differentiates between administrative violations (like drug use) and criminal offenses (like drug trafficking), with the former subject to administrative penalties rather than criminal prosecution [8][9]. Management of Drug Users - China's drug management laws provide for community rehabilitation measures for drug users, including mandatory community drug rehabilitation for those addicted, with a three-year monitoring period [9][10]. - The high rate of relapse among drug users remains a significant concern, with statistics indicating that as of the end of 2024, 4.286 million individuals had not relapsed after three years of rehabilitation, reflecting a 5.1% increase year-on-year [10]. Social Reintegration and Support - The law emphasizes the importance of social reintegration for drug users, mandating that they should not face discrimination in education, employment, and social security [13]. - There is a call for a more comprehensive approach to drug management that focuses on preventing drug circulation and sales rather than solely penalizing users [13]. Need for Implementation Guidelines - Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of clarity in the exceptions for inquiries into sealed records, which could lead to challenges in implementation if detailed guidelines are not established [15][16]. - The definition of which organizations can access sealed records, particularly in sensitive environments like schools, needs to be clearly outlined to avoid ambiguity [16].