2nd January 2025 – (Beijing) In 2024, China approved more than 90 per cent of data export requests, according to the country’s leading internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The remaining less than 10 per cent of requests were either considered unnecessary or failed to meet established security standards.
The CAC highlighted that many of the rejected projects were primarily due to data processors not obtaining the required consent from individuals, which is mandated by law. A smaller number of cases were blocked because the data exports lacked sufficient necessity or posed potential security risks.
This report marks the first update from the CAC following the relaxation of cross-border data flow regulations in March. The new rules introduced security review exemptions for certain information exports, aiming to streamline processes for businesses.
Additionally, foreign companies operating in China will no longer be required to submit information related to cross-border e-commerce, shipping, payments, or visa processing for official security checks. This change has reportedly alleviated operational concerns for many international firms.
The eased rules also extend to data pertaining to various activities, such as opening bank accounts and booking flights or hotels, further facilitating smoother operations in the digital landscape.
