China Launches Nationwide Data Security Survey Targeting Tech Firms, Government Offices

China has recently launched a comprehensive effort to assess its data landscape through a nationwide survey of various entities, including tech companies, the police, and government offices.

The initiative, led by the newly established National Data Administration (NDA), seeks to gain insight into data production, storage, circulation, trade, and security measures throughout the country.

China Launches Data Survey

The survey, which runs from February 18th to March 5th, encourages a wide range of participants, from provincial government departments to manufacturers of data collection equipment.

This extensive data audit includes entities involved with consumer and industrial internet platforms, big data, artificial intelligence, and national laboratories.

The survey aims to provide statistical support for policymaking and the launch of pilot demonstration programs. This effort demonstrates China's commitment to promoting the use of data as a major factor of production, as outlined in a three-year campaign launched in December of last year.

The survey is also expected to provide valuable insights into data usage, circulation, and security practices; stakeholders anticipate improved policy formulation and the creation of data application demonstration zones.

China's Data Security Efforts

China's increased emphasis on data security and integrity coincides with rising global cybersecurity concerns.

China's financial regulator issued a directive in late 2023 urging banks and insurers to strengthen cyber and data security measures in response to a cyberattack on Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the financial sector, prompting a more comprehensive review of cybersecurity protocols.

The Chinese government's proactive approach to data security is consistent with its overall efforts to strengthen national security and regulate data flows. The enactment of a comprehensive data security law in 2021 demonstrated Beijing's commitment to tightening control over information flows in the face of rising cyber threats.

The current survey represents a significant step toward improving data governance and security in China. The initiative's goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of China's data landscape by involving a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, private enterprises, and industry associations.

As China asserts its position as a global technology powerhouse, initiatives such as the nationwide data security survey are critical to shaping the regulatory framework and ensuring the integrity of data ecosystems.

In Other News

LockBit, a notorious cybercrime gang known for blocking user access to computer systems in exchange for a ransom payment, has been brought down in a coordinated international effort by US and UK authorities.

According to reports, the rare international law enforcement operation, known as "Operation Cronos," was carried out by Britain's National Crime Agency, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Europol, and a coalition of international police agencies.

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