China Launched A New Initiative To Set Global Standards In Data Security

China Launched A New Initiative To Set Global Standards In Data Security

As China launched a new initiative to set global standards in data security, it accused some countries of "bullying" and "chasing companies". The statement made by the Chinese State Council Member Wang Yi followed the announcement a month ago that the US would cut access to the applications of Chinese companies, which it described as unreliable under the program called "Clean Network". China's new initiative will require tech companies to remove backdoors from their products and services that would allow for personal data to be illegally intercepted. China demands that institutions and organizations participating in this initiative also respect countries' data management regulations, jurisdiction and sovereignty. The initiative also aims to prevent a country from collecting information about foreign citizens illegally using information technologies. The statement did not specify how the initiative will take shape or whether any other country will join. "Global data security rules that reflect the wishes of all countries and respect the interests of all parties should be reached with the universal participation of all parties," Wang said.