Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "opening boxes" has become a significant issue, involving the illegal collection and public disclosure of personal information, leading to online violence and harassment [1][2][3] Group 1: Definition and Mechanism - "Opening boxes" refers to the illegal gathering and public sharing of sensitive personal information, often for the purpose of inciting online violence or defamation [1] - This practice is seen as a more organized and industrialized evolution of traditional "human flesh search," which relied on crowdsourcing information [2][3] - The ease of accessing personal information has increased due to the established black and gray market for data, making "opening boxes" a low-cost and low-barrier activity [3] Group 2: Impact and Cases - Reports indicate that over 19,500 data leakage incidents were verified in 2023, affecting various industries including finance and e-commerce [4] - The rise of artificial intelligence and smart devices has exacerbated the challenges of personal information protection, as these technologies often collect sensitive data that can be exploited [5] Group 3: Involvement of Minors - A significant proportion of both victims and perpetrators of "opening boxes" are minors, who often lack awareness of the legal consequences of their actions [7][8] - The legal system considers the age and psychological state of minors when addressing "opening boxes," emphasizing education and guidance rather than solely punitive measures [8] Group 4: Regulatory Responses - The National Cyber Administration has taken steps to enhance personal information protection, including the investigation of 82 apps for violating personal data rights [9][10] - Future regulatory actions will focus on various sectors, including smart devices and the illegal sale of personal information through dark web channels [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and implications of the "opening box" industry, which allows individuals to easily access personal information about others, leading to significant privacy concerns and potential abuse [3][4][81]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The article begins with the incident involving a Baidu executive's daughter, clarifying that the data accessed was not from Baidu but from foreign software [3][4]. - It highlights the ease with which personal information can be accessed through the "opening box" service, likening it to an upgraded version of "human flesh search" [5][6]. Group 2: Evolution of Information Access - The transition from an anonymous internet era to one where personal information is easily exposed is discussed, emphasizing the role of social media in this shift [9][10][13]. - The article explains how "human flesh search" initially served as a form of public oversight but has evolved into a tool for online violence due to its accessibility [14][15]. Group 3: The "Opening Box" Industry Chain - The "opening box" industry has developed a complete supply chain, with data leaks primarily originating from social engineering and insider threats [17][18]. - Social engineering is defined as exploiting human weaknesses to gain access to sensitive information, making it difficult to ensure data security [19][20]. Group 4: Data Leakage Mechanisms - The article describes how hackers can easily breach databases and sell the information, with two main methods: spontaneous and customized data extraction [22][25]. - The concept of "credential stuffing" is introduced, where hackers exploit reused passwords across different platforms to gain unauthorized access [29][30]. Group 5: Role of Insiders - Insiders, such as employees with access to sensitive data, pose a significant risk, as they may sell information for personal gain [33][34]. - The article illustrates how the vast and unregulated data systems in China contribute to the ease of data leaks [34][35]. Group 6: Social Engineering Databases - The "social engineering database" serves as a middle layer in the "opening box" industry, where data is aggregated and sold to various entities, including fraudsters [42][45]. - The article notes that these databases allow for the creation of comprehensive profiles on individuals, leading to severe privacy violations [54][55]. Group 7: Market for Personal Information - The primary customers for social engineering databases are often involved in fraudulent activities, as they can purchase large volumes of personal data [60][61]. - The article explains how the ease of accessing personal information has led to a rise in scams and targeted harassment [62][63]. Group 8: Legal and Regulatory Challenges - Existing laws regarding online privacy and data protection are discussed, highlighting the challenges in enforcement and the need for more robust regulations [83][84]. - The article emphasizes that while there are laws against data misuse, the execution and effectiveness of these laws remain questionable [87][88]. Group 9: Future Implications - The article concludes by stressing the urgent need for national attention to the "opening box" industry, likening it to the fight against fraud [98][99]. - It calls for a comprehensive approach to protect individual privacy and dignity in the digital age, as the current trajectory poses significant risks to society [96][97].