China’s ‘two sessions’ 2021: plans for ‘Digital China’ transformation come with increased regulations for personal data

  • In a new work report and 14th five-year plan, China seeks to nurture digital industries such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud computing
  • Policymakers at the ‘two sessions’ are also speeding up the roll-out of two laws protecting personal information and data security

Policymakers revealed intentions to build a “Digital China” with clearer boundaries for how and when mainland tech companies can use the data they collect from users. Photo: Reuters

At China’s biggest annual political gathering, known as the “two sessions”, policymakers revealed intentions to build a “Digital China” with clearer boundaries for how and when mainland tech companies can use the massive amounts of data they collect from users.

In his work report to the National People’s Congress (NPC), Premier Li Keqiang highlighted “innovation-driven development” and efforts to create “new strengths for the digital economy” under the country’s 14th five-year plan that was submitted to delegates.

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