China unveils new regulations on government data sharing

BEIJING -- China on Tuesday unveiled a document to further regulate the sharing of government data to enhance the country's digital governance capabilities and the effectiveness of public services.

Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to promulgate the new regulations, which are set to take effect on Aug 1.

The new regulations set clear requirements for the use of shared government data, stipulating that if government duties can be fulfilled by accessing shared data, government departments shall not duplicate data collection.

An integrated national government affairs big data system will be established, requiring existing government data platforms to be incorporated into this system, according to the document. It states that, in principle, no new government data sharing and exchange systems should be established.

The regulations also emphasize that in the process of using legally shared government data, the responsibility for security management falls on the government departments that demand data. Government departments and entrusted parties are obliged to protect government data security, says the document.