The lack of awareness in protecting personal and others' information is one of the reasons that Internet users are vulnerable in terms of personal information leakage, said Li Yuxiao, chief of Internet Management and Law Research Center under Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

Li also believes that the absence of a legal system to protect personal information is another reason to blame.

In an encouraging sign, Chinese authorities published a draft cyber security law on July 6 to solicit public opinions.

The draft law, which has an independent chapter on cyber information security, gives a clear definition of people's personal information, regulates the network operators' rights and responsibilities and gives out specific punitive measures.

Li said the move is a big step forward to protect personal information, compared with only using regulations or judicial explanations.

As to how to best safeguard Internet users' rights, Hao said it is the primary solution for Internet users themselves to prevent information leakage and protect their rights. Therefore, it is essential to educate people and raise awareness.