Core Mechanism

• Identity Verification:
  When purchasing tickets (online or in-person), users must submit their full name, ID number, and sometimes biometric data (e.g., facial recognition). For example, Shanghai Disney Resort requires guests to use their ID cards or passports to buy tickets, and the same document must be presented for entry 16.
• Non-Transferable Tickets:
  Once purchased, tickets cannot be resold or transferred to another person. This prevents scalping and ensures only the registered user can use the ticket.
• Data Collection:
  Ticket sellers store personal information to comply with regulations and monitor usage. For instance, China’s railway system mandates that all passengers provide ID details, which are stored securely 910.

Key Applications

1. Transportation:
   • Railways: In China, all train tickets are 实名制，with ID checks at stations. Even temporary ID cards or passports are accepted for verification 913.
   • Aviation: International airlines like Air China require passengers to provide ID details that match their boarding passes 17.
   • Ferry Services: The Qiongzhou Strait ferry in Hainan Province implemented real-name ticketing in 2017, requiring passengers to present IDs for both purchase and boarding 4.
2. Entertainment and Events:
   • Concerts and Sports: Large-scale events in China, such as the 2023 National Day celebrations, enforce real-name ticketing to prevent fraud. Each ID can buy only one ticket, and entry requires a physical ID check 14.
   • Theme Parks: Shanghai Disney Resort introduced real-name policies in 2024, where tickets are tied to the purchaser’s ID and cannot be altered 16.
3. Tourism:
   • Scenic Spots: Attractions like Ningxia’s Xixia Tombs and Hainan’s Baishiling Scenic Area use real-name systems to manage visitor flows and protect cultural heritage 38.

Benefits

• Security: Real-name systems help authorities track individuals in emergencies (e.g., pandemics or criminal investigations). For example, during COVID-19, China used ticket data to trace contacts 3.
• Anti-Scalping: By linking tickets to IDs, resellers struggle to profit from bulk purchases. In 2023, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported a 60% drop in scalping cases at concerts after enforcing 实名制 14.
• Efficiency: Electronic ticketing and ID verification reduce queues. Hubei Province’s bus stations now allow passengers to board with a QR code or ID scan 7.

Challenges and Concerns

• Privacy Risks: Storing personal data raises concerns about leaks. For example, discarded train tickets with partial ID numbers could expose sensitive information 12. Companies like Piaoniu address this by encrypting data and limiting access 19.
• Inconvenience for Users: Travelers must carry physical IDs, and international visitors may face language barriers. Some countries, like Japan, allow 假名 (pseudonyms) for hotel check-ins, contrasting with China’s strict policies 5.
• Technical Hurdles: Systems must handle large volumes. China’s railway network processes over 1 million real-name transactions daily, requiring robust infrastructure 9.

Global Variations

• China: Real-name ticketing is widespread and legally mandated for transportation, events, and even phone SIM cards 59.
• United States: While TSA requires ID checks for flights, tickets are not linked to IDs. However, the “Real ID” program (effective 2023) mandates stricter ID verification for domestic travel 2.
• Europe: Some countries (e.g., Germany) require ID for train tickets, but enforcement varies. Most EU nations prioritize privacy, limiting data collection 5.

Conclusion