Ahead of the 2026 National Cybersecurity Awareness Week, the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and its Science and Technology Committee, together with the provincial communications administration, hosted a two-day thematic event on September 18-19. Dubbed "Serving the People with Practical Actions: Smart Technology for Digital Safety," this initiative was designed to enhance public understanding of cybersecurity through accessible science communication.

Held at the committee's "New Space for Serving the People" venue, the program concentrated on four key pillars: AI-empowered security, digital anti-fraud measures, privacy protection, and emergency response systems. The event integrated product exhibitions, live demonstrations, expert lectures, and interactive experiences to display the latest achievements in the province's communications industry regarding network governance.

At the bustling site in Jinjiang District, Chengdu, hundreds of students and local community members engaged with cutting-edge cybersecurity products, explored new communication security technologies, and attended informative lectures. Many participants described the sessions as exceptionally insightful and practical. So, what were the standout highlights from this event? Let's delve into the details.

6G On the Horizon

The event's on-site specialists shared that 6G technology is projected to reach commercial viability around 2030, with preliminary research and exploration already in progress. While previous mobile communication standards focused primarily on faster, more reliable, and wider-reaching data transmission—with 5G enabling the "Internet of Everything"—the core objective of 6G is to deliver an "Intelligent Internet of Everything."

This next-generation network is expected to support an integrated communication system spanning air, space, ground, and sea. It will merge communication, sensing, computing, and intelligence into a unified framework. For individuals, the benefits will manifest as superior connectivity, not just with higher speeds, but with noticeably smoother and more stable performance for bandwidth-intensive applications.

On a societal level, 6G could transform systems like smart cities, intelligent factories, energy grids, and emergency response mechanisms, moving them from simple management capabilities to more proactive and coordinated operations. Furthermore, 6G is poised to provide new network support for national defense, including reconnaissance, early warning, command control, and coordinated operations.

A Fortress for Personal Privacy: Quantum Communication

With the rapid advancement of network communication and AI, the security and protection of personal information have become a pressing social concern. Demonstrations at the venue illustrated how quantum technology, currently being promoted in the communications sector, can offer a higher tier of protection for personal data.

For instance, "Quantum Secret Messaging" encrypts voice notes and text messages sent via platforms like WeChat, ensuring that only the designated recipient can decrypt and access the content. Users can even set parameters like "self-destruct after reading" or "delete within one minute" for enhanced confidentiality. Another example is the "Quantum Cloud Seal," a system where important seals are stored in quantum-encrypted facilities and can only be activated via remote authorization from the seal's administrator.

Real-World Quantum Applications

According to the experts present, Chinese enterprises have already successfully developed proprietary "Quantum+" products, including security gateways and server encryption machines, marking significant progress in the field's practical deployment.

Emergency Calls: Connecting via Satellite When Cell Service Fails

Imagine being in the mountains with a weak or absent mobile signal, or being at a disaster site where the terrestrial network is down. A novel solution is now available: direct satellite-to-phone connectivity. The greatest benefit of this technology is the freedom to make calls via satellite even in areas with no existing ground coverage.

Additionally, users can send BeiDou short messages that carry their real-time location directly from their phone, allowing the recipient to pinpoint the sender's whereabouts. This eliminates the need for specialized satellite phones, as it works with standard commercial devices. However, two conditions apply: the handset must be inherently equipped with satellite communication capabilities, and users must have activated the relevant service with their telecom provider beforehand.

Security Tips and Vigilance on the Ground

The event also addressed common security pitfalls. For instance, offers of free eggs in exchange for scanning QR codes are likely schemes to pilfer personal information. Similarly, if a flashlight app demands access to your contacts or photos to function, it's safer to delete it. When posting resumes online or filling out surveys, be aware that unnecessary personal details could be at risk. Mini-programs that require "full information access" for basic functions are often violating regulations.

In dedicated classrooms and interactive Q&A sessions, experts discussed pressing issues like personal data protection and telecom fraud prevention. They particularly highlighted that students and senior citizens are the most frequent targets of telecom fraud. Students, including those in higher education, often lack social experience but have access to disposable allowances, making them attractive targets on gaming platforms. Meanwhile, seniors, who may be less familiar with smartphone operations and features, are also vulnerable to exploitation. Of course, while these groups are at higher risk, the experts stressed that everyone must maintain a high level of caution to stay safe in the digital landscape.