In the "resistive" Chinese region Xinjiang buyers of mobile phone and computers are required to register themselves with the police. According to the Chinese government the measure is meant to, "prevent people spreading harmful information and carrying out illegal activities."
The regulations apply to both new computer equipment and mobile phones, as on second hand devices, according to the Guardian. Sellers of hardware in the Xinjiang province are required to upload the personal details of buyers to a Chinese police administered database. Besides that, stores are also required to install security cameras.
Besides the mandatory registration, the Chinese government has also forbidden sales of unregistered SIM cards and Wifi services. Shop owners also have to display a public warning that distributing violent and terrorist content is strictly forbidden.
The Xinjiang region has struggled with violence in recent years between majority Han Chinese and mostly Muslim Uighurs.
