A dedicated data regulator
China’s latest government reorg has been announced – and there will be a lot of changes to the structure of the state.
Among the adjustments is the creation of the National Data Administration (NDA), which will sit underneath the macro planner (NDRC).
The skinny: Responsibility for managing and developing China’s data resources – already part of the NDRC’s remit – will be consolidated under the new NDA.
Specific duties include:
- Building out data infrastructure
- Coordinating the integration, sharing, and utilization of data resources
- Promoting the digital economy and “Digital China”
In retrospect, recent developments were clearly building toward the inauguration of this new agency.
- In December, the Central Committee published its master directives on developing China’s data resources, solidifying years of conceptual work.
- Just last month, top leaders issued their new plan to build “Digital China,” similarly years in the making.
It is also worth noting that Guangdong province set up a similar data bureau in 2021.
One thing that jumps out: The data development responsibilities that currently fall to the cybersecurity regulator (CAC) will migrate to the new NDA. These include:
- Construction of Digital China
- Promotion of the informatization of government services
- Building of smart cities
- Sharing of information resources
Data security, however, will remain firmly in CAC’s territory – allowing the body to retain its core authority and importance.
Our take: The creation of the NDB represents the culmination of China’s recent efforts to put a national data strategy into place.