China proposes new commission to further tighten internet oversight

China is proposing a further tightening of controls over the internet with the possible establishment of a new commission to vet internet services and hardware, Beijing’s internet regulator has said.

Overseas critics of the law have said it threatens to shut foreign technology companies out of various sectors, and includes contentious requirements for security reviews and for data to be stored on servers in China.

New draft rules, released by China’s internet regulator at the weekend, propose setting up an intra-departmental body to examine and coordinate policies nationwide.

The commission would consider risks to national security and stop Communist Party and government departments from buying online products and services that have not been approved.