China’s New Laws Aim to Take Action to Protect Personal Data

China has closed a record number of personal data breaches in the last three years. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said that it had closed 36,000 cases related to personal data infringements, detaining 64,000 suspects along the way. 

The arrests were part of the government’s efforts since 2020 to regulate the internet, which also saw more than 30 million SIM cards and 300 million “illegal” internet accounts seized.

The MPS said that the increase in enforcement was due to a number of factors, including the growing use of personal data by businesses and government agencies, the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, and the public’s growing awareness of the importance of data protection.

The MPS is seeking public feedback on draft laws to regulate the use of facial recognition data. The proposed laws would require companies and government agencies to obtain consent before collecting or using facial recognition data, and would impose restrictions on the sale and transfer of such data.

Record Number of Breaches

In the last three years, China has seen a record number of personal data breaches. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said that it had closed 36,000 cases related to personal data infringements, detaining 64,000 suspects along the way.

 The arrests were part of the government’s efforts since 2020 to regulate the internet, which also saw more than 30 million SIM cards and 300 million “illegal” internet accounts seized.

The MPS said that the increase in enforcement was due to a number of factors, including the growing use of personal data by businesses and government agencies, the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, and the public’s growing awareness of the importance of data protection.

Government Takes Action

In response to the growing number of personal data breaches, the Chinese government has taken a number of steps to crack down on these breaches. 

In 2021, the government passed a new law on cybersecurity, which includes provisions for protecting personal data. The government has also launched a number of initiatives to raise awareness of data protection among businesses and the public.

Proposed Facial Recognition Laws

The MPS is also seeking public feedback on draft laws to regulate the use of facial recognition data. The proposed laws would require companies and government agencies to obtain consent before collecting or using facial recognition data, and would impose restrictions on the sale and transfer of such data.

More Needs to Be Done

The Chinese government’s efforts to crack down on personal data breaches are a positive step, but more needs to be done to protect the privacy of Chinese citizens. The proposed facial recognition laws are a good start, but they need to be implemented effectively.

 The government also needs to continue to raise awareness of data protection among businesses and the public.

The record number of personal data breaches in China is a serious problem that has the potential to harm millions of people. 

The Chinese government’s efforts to crack down on these breaches are a positive step, but more needs to be done to protect the privacy of Chinese citizens.

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