A hacker has reportedly leaked personal data of a vast number of China's political figures and business magnets on an anonymous Twitter account. The data includes the birth dates, addresses, marital status and national identification numbers of various prominent personalities. The authenticity of the leaked information is yet to be verified.

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Some of the personalities affected by the leak include Wang Jianlin, the richest man in China; Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.; and Fang Binxing, the head of a Chinese cyber security industry association.

When asked whether the data was genuine and the who is responsible for the security breach, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ku Lang told reporters at a press briefing that, "I have also noticed this report but we really don't understand the relevant situation."

According to Reuters, Sima Nan, a TV personality, has confirmed that her personal data posted on the Twitter account is accurate. "I am unclear about other people's (information), but mine is indeed the content registered on my public security household registration," Sima said. Meanwhile, the Twitter account has since become inactive.

This incident is just one of many such online scandals that have hit China in recent months. In February, Alibaba's Taobao website was attacked by hackers. The website stored information for more than 20 million accounts.

The motive behind the recent cyber breach is not clear. However, before being suspended, the account tweeted, "Surprised by these tidbits of informations? I hope this can get fellow countrymen thinking. Personal privacy is worth nothing in China."

China has set up a new working group to reinforce the security of personal data. Zuo Xiaodong, vice president of the China Information Security Research Institute, said, "Normally it will take some years to establish new rules, but these will be out much faster due to the urgency of this issue."

TagsJack Ma, Sima Nan, Zuo Xiaodong, Fang Binxing, wang jianlin