Chinese courier services introduce 'privacy waybills'

Chinese delivery company SF Express has become the latest courier to adopt a new waybill with the personal information of the sender and the receiver hidden or encrypted to protect privacy, reports China National Radio.

Staff members sort packages at an express delivery company. [File photo: VCG]

The so-called 'privacy waybill' encrypts customers' information including names, addresses, and phone numbers. By using the company's self-developed app, couriers can call the receiver directly without knowing the telephone number.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's delivery arm Cainiao Network has also promoted privacy waybill services together with Express Mail Service and Best Express to protect privacy.

Another online retailer JD.com has adopted a 'smiling waybill,' with customers' names and phone numbers replaced by smiling emojis.

Although privacy waybills are not a requirement at the moment, observers believe it will become the standard for the express delivery industry in the future.

Zhao Xiaomin, an expert on courier services, said more technology is expected to be used on delivery waybills, including QR codes and payment methods.

In addition, some food delivery companies are also trying privacy waybills, said Zhao.