China

The National Data Administration has released a notice detailing the second set of national standard requirements for the data sector in 2026. This initiative aims to establish common frameworks and specifications for data, which is crucial for enhancing data quality, interoperability, and overall governance. Such standards are foundational for the effective management and valuation of data as an economic asset.

A national unified system for registering data property rights has been officially implemented across China, as reported by People's Daily and reposted by the National Data Administration. This significant development provides a clear legal basis for the circulation and transaction of data, establishing a framework for recognizing and protecting data ownership. The system aims to facilitate a more orderly and secure data market by offering verifiable proof of rights.

This high-level policy document outlines China's strategy for fostering new productive forces, emphasizing technological innovation and industrial transformation. It calls for improving systems for data property rights, market transactions, and protection, alongside strengthening AI governance and intellectual property management, including punitive damages. The opinion aims to integrate the real and digital economies, unleashing the potential of data as a key element.

An official from the National Development and Reform Commission provided an interpretation of the recently issued high-level policy on new quality productive forces. The Q&A session elaborated on the policy's principles, including the need to improve relevant laws, regulations, ethical review rules, and regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning AI and data security. This guidance reinforces the strategic importance of data and AI governance.

This official report from Xinhua, published on the State Council portal, details the strategic roadmap for developing new quality productive forces. It highlights the importance of deepening reforms in granting rights to scientific and technological achievements and improving the comprehensive intellectual property management system, including punitive damages. The document underscores the need to build new production relations compatible with these forces, providing a robust institutional framework for future development.

China's new "15th Five-Year Plan for Cultural Heritage Protection and Inheritance" outlines the creation of a national cultural heritage resource big database, integrating existing platforms. The plan also aims to enhance copyright protection for folk literature and art and establish mechanisms for secure data sharing and dynamic maintenance. These measures underscore the growing recognition of data and cultural content as valuable assets requiring systematic management and legal protection.

During the eighth round of China-US economic and trade consultations, both nations agreed to establish an Artificial Intelligence dialogue mechanism. Led by Vice Premier He Lifeng and Secretary Yellen, the first dialogue focused on exchanging views regarding AI-related risks and benefits. This initiative includes setting up communication channels for AI incidents, signaling a structured approach to AI governance that will likely impact data usage and protection in AI development.

Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration, conducted a survey in Jiangsu Province to assess the progress of data element market-oriented allocation reform. This initiative is central to China's strategy of treating data as a key production factor and asset. The visit highlights ongoing efforts to establish frameworks for data property rights, valuation, and transaction, which are crucial for protecting data as an IP asset.

The National Data Administration (NDA) announced the issuance of China's inaugural batch of data property rights registration certificates. This marks a significant step in establishing a formal framework for recognizing and protecting data as an asset. The initiative aims to clarify ownership and usage rights, fostering data circulation and value realization.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued an announcement regarding the successful filing of three mobile-side generative artificial intelligence services. This regulatory action signifies the ongoing implementation of China's AI-specific governance framework. It ensures that AI services operating within the jurisdiction comply with national data and AI regulations.

China's National Press and Publication Administration released its "15th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Publishing Industry." The plan highlights accelerating digital transformation and leveraging digital intelligence to reshape the industry. It aims to foster an ecosystem where content value is enhanced through the deep integration of content, technology, platforms, and business models.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued a notice aimed at enhancing the management of online infringement information concerning enterprises. This initiative seeks to foster a more favorable online business environment by addressing issues such as unauthorized use or disclosure of business-related data and intellectual property. The measures are intended to protect companies from various forms of digital misconduct and unfair competition.

A National Bureau of Statistics spokesperson reported that investment in computer software and databases increased by 10.9% in the first eight months of 2026. This growth underscores the increasing recognition and economic value of data-related assets within China's evolving digital economy. The report also noted rapid growth in core technologies and application demands within the artificial intelligence sector.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the release of its Artificial Intelligence Security Governance Framework 3.0. This updated framework aims to enhance the security and responsible development of AI technologies, addressing critical aspects such as data security, algorithmic transparency, and ethical guidelines. It provides a comprehensive regulatory foundation for AI development and deployment, impacting how data used in AI systems is managed and protected.

Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration (NDA), chaired a seminar focused on the development of embodied artificial intelligence. This high-level discussion indicates the NDA's strategic interest in advanced AI technologies, which heavily rely on complex data sets and real-world interactions. Such discussions often precede policy considerations for data governance and AI-specific regulations.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly released a plan to guide digital development in rural areas. This comprehensive strategy outlines goals and measures for leveraging digital technologies, including data, to promote rural revitalization and sustainable growth over the next five years. It is expected to address data infrastructure, data sharing, and data governance in the agricultural sector.

Following the release of the Digital Village High-Quality Development Action Plan, officials held a Q&A session to provide further interpretation and details. This session aimed to clarify key aspects of the plan, including its implementation strategies, expected outcomes, and specific measures related to digital infrastructure and data utilization in rural areas. It offers additional insights into the government's approach to digital transformation in the agricultural sector.

The Cyberspace Administration of China and six other ministries have jointly released a comprehensive plan for the coordinated development of digital and green transformation from 2026 to 2030. This strategic document aims to leverage digital technologies, including data, to drive sustainable development and foster new industries. It sets out a framework for integrating digital innovation with environmental goals, impacting how data is managed and utilized across various sectors.

An official Q&A session was held to provide further details and interpretation of the recently issued Implementation Plan for Coordinated Digital and Green Transformation (2026-2030). This session offers insights into the practical application and expected outcomes of the plan, particularly concerning the role of digital technologies and data in achieving green development goals. It helps stakeholders understand the nuances of data governance and innovation within this new policy framework.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has officially released its "2026 Report on New E-commerce Development." This comprehensive report likely analyzes trends, challenges, and policy recommendations for the rapidly evolving e-commerce sector. Given e-commerce's inherent reliance on vast amounts of data, the report is expected to touch upon data utilization, data security, and the economic value of data within this industry.

The National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport have issued an interpretation of the Logistics Network Construction Implementation Plan. This plan highlights the importance of information data as a core component of the logistics network. It aims to enhance data sharing and utilization through standardization, interoperability, and open access, thereby optimizing resource allocation across the logistics market.

China's State Council has unveiled its strategic plan for the next five years, focusing on the accelerated development of emerging and future industries. This includes significant investment in AI, 6G, and industrial internet technologies, with a strong emphasis on leveraging these for scientific research and new application scenarios. The plan highlights the importance of structured data utilization and innovation in driving industrial transformation.

A State Council executive meeting has mandated the accelerated development of next-generation communication networks, including 5G, 6G, and industrial internet. The directive emphasizes fostering high-value application scenarios like smart cities and intelligent manufacturing, which rely heavily on data. Crucially, it also calls for strengthening critical network infrastructure and data security protection, underscoring the importance of safeguarding data assets.

The Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission (CAC) has released a five-year action plan to promote the high-quality development of cyberspace information enterprises. This plan outlines strategic objectives and measures for the sector from 2026 to 2030, aiming to foster innovation and enhance the overall competitiveness of China's digital economy. It is expected to guide policy and regulatory efforts impacting data-driven businesses and technological advancements.

The National Data Administration (NDA) has announced the launch of its first batch of international data cooperation pilot projects across ten locations in China. This initiative aims to explore new models for cross-border data flows and data governance, fostering international collaboration in the data field. The program is expected to inform future policies on data exchange and the global circulation of data assets.

The Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission (CAC) published a Q&A document to clarify various aspects concerning the implementation of its Measures for Network Data Security Risk Assessment. This guidance aims to assist organizations in understanding their obligations and the procedures for conducting data security risk assessments, ensuring compliance with national data protection standards. It provides practical insights into managing data-related risks and safeguarding sensitive information.

On 20 April 2026 the Supreme People's Court released its Typical Intellectual Property Cases of 2025, including a case where competitors bypassed an e-commerce platform's anti-scraping controls to mass-extract product data. The court held that circumventing security measures to scrape data at scale constituted unfair competition, and articulated a tiered protection approach distinguishing public, conditionally disclosed, and non-public data. As SPC-endorsed typical cases, these rulings guide lower courts nationwide on the boundaries of lawful data competition.

On 3 April 2026 the National Data Administration published draft Guidelines for Data Property Registration (Trial) for public comment, with feedback due by 19 April 2026. The six-chapter, 42-article draft would create a nationwide registration framework recognizing three proprietary data rights — holding, use, and operation — building on the earlier Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen pilots. While registration does not create a new enforcement right, registered certificates can evidence data as an intangible corporate asset, supporting balance-sheet recognition and financing.

State Council media reported on 12 January 2026 that the National Data Administration, at a symposium led by NDA head Liu Liehong, committed to accelerating construction of a national data property rights registration system to unlock the value of data. The NDA said it would adapt registration experience from other fields to data's unique characteristics, consulting bodies including the Beijing Internet Court on the supporting policy documents. This announcement set the policy direction that produced the April 2026 draft registration guidelines.