On October 30th, Beijing launched the centralized replacement of third-generation social security cards, which will be promoted in stages, groups, and batches. So, what is the third-generation social security card? What are the new changes and features? What would be the impact if the card is not replaced? The reporter interviewed the relevant person in charge of the Information Center of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. It is reported that in accordance with the requirements of national password management, the development trend of chip technology, and the needs of the "one card" development, in 2017, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the People's Bank of China jointly promoted the pilot work of the third-generation social security card. In 2020, the promotion and application of the third-generation social security card was fully launched. As of the end of October 2024, the number of social security card holders in China reached 1.387 billion, with a social security card penetration rate of 98.4%. Among them, the cumulative number of third-generation social security cards held was 487 million, and all provinces in China have issued third-generation social security cards. It is reported that the third-generation social security card adopts the latest domestic password algorithm and adds digital certificates (CA), biometric features, etc. to the chip, further improving security and convenience. It can not only provide network identity recognition and other functions, but also support more card usage scenarios, such as transportation, tourism, etc. What are the ways to replace the third-generation social security card? Offline, residents can apply for a third-generation social security card through social security card management service agency branches and social security card service bank branches. Online, cross provincial services such as applying for and replacing national social security cards have also been launched. Residents living in different regions can apply for replacement through channels such as the national government service platform, electronic social security cards, and the 12333 mobile application on their mobile phones. They can submit their applications online and have their cards mailed to their homes. What are the impacts of not replacing the third-generation social security card? The human resources and social security department reminds that residents should apply for a third-generation social security card for newly issued cards, replacement of second-generation social security cards upon expiration, and replacement of second-generation social security cards due to loss, damage, or other circumstances. If the second-generation social security card is not replaced with the third-generation social security card in a timely manner after expiration, the social security function of the social security card can still be used normally, but the use of bank accounts may be affected to some extent due to bank card security management requirements. (New Society)