Entities have been requested to disclose their methods of generating, storing, disseminating, trading, advancing, and utilizing data, as well as addressing data security concerns. This directive was outlined in a statement issued jointly by the NDA, Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Public Security on Monday.
The survey targets a wide range of entities, including provincial data bureaus, public security departments, state-owned enterprises, internet platform companies, artificial intelligence firms, national laboratories, data exchanges, and industry federations. These entities are mandated to complete online questionnaires, with submissions due by March 5.
The NDA emphasized that the survey’s objective is to “offer data insights to inform future policy decisions and the establishment of data application showcase zones.”
Established in October, the NDA is tasked with overseeing data governance as part of Beijing’s strategy to elevate its position in the industrial value chain and foster growth amidst challenges posed by US-led technology restrictions.
Outlined in a three-year plan unveiled at the close of last year, the NDA aims to achieve over 20% annual growth in the data industry by 2026, along with a twofold increase in data transactions. By 2026, China is expected to have over 300 “typical” data applications, several data application demonstration zones, and a multitude of “innovative and influential” data providers and third-party agencies.
In 2022, China amassed approximately 8.1 zettabytes of data, trailing only the US in volume, as per CAC data. The value of China’s digital economy hit 50.2 trillion yuan (US$6.98 trillion) in 2022, representing 41.5% of the GDP.
A researcher from Tsinghua University highlighted that the NDA’s primary task is to “integrate the vast data reservoirs owned by diverse entities.” The researcher noted that the involvement of the Ministry of Public Security, not initially part of the endorsing ministries for the NDA’s 2024-2026 action plan, likely signifies top-level support. However, the real challenge lies in persuading entities, particularly government bodies, to share their data.
As part of the survey, provincial public security departments are required to outline the management of “key data” within their “key systems” and “key infrastructure” over the past two years. They must also report on data security incidents handled in 2022 and 2023.
Telecom operators must furnish details on overseas entities visiting the top 10 websites and apps in China in the last two years, along with traffic metrics for 2022 and 2023. Internet platforms and tech companies are expected to provide insights on traffic, user and server statistics, and disclose their utilization of AI in data analytics and other operations.
