October 2024 marked one year since China inaugurated the National Data Bureau (NDB), overseen by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The NDB focuses on building core data infrastructure, facilitating data integration and sharing, and advancing the digital economy and the “Digital China” strategy. Below is a summary of the NDB’s key activities in October 2024, relevant for foreign stakeholders.

Call for Comments: Interim Measures on Public Data Resource Registration

On October 12, 2024, the NDRC and the NDB jointly released the Interim Measures on Public Data Resource Registration (Draft for Comments) (hereinafter referred to as the Draft), inviting public feedback. Public data resources are defined as data generated by governmental agencies and public entities/enterprises during public service provision. These datasets are characterized by their large volume, public nature, and stringent security requirements. The Draft provides clarity on the critical questions of “who to register, what to register, and how to register” public data, detailing the registration’s scope, requirements, and procedures.

The draft is a response to, the Opinions on Accelerating Public Data Resource Development and Utilization (the Opinions) issued on October 9, 2024, generating significant public interest. The Opinions underscore the necessity of data sharing frameworks to unlock the economic and societal value of public data. Through the implementation of a resource registration system, China aims to catalog public data comprehensively, enabling its authorized use while ensuring traceability. Non-authorized data can also be registered voluntarily to facilitate discovery of high-value data and support data-driven innovation. Public consultation on the draft ended on November 11, 2024.

Call for Comments: Trusted Data Spaces Development Action Plan (2024-2028)

On October 18, 2024, the National Data Bureau released the Trusted Data Spaces Development Action Plan (2024–2028) for public comments. Trusted Data Spaces are infrastructures and ecosystems that enable secure and regulated data sharing and utilization, based on consensus rules and multi-stakeholder participation. These spaces are critical for supporting China’s unified data market and the digital economy.

The plan outlines three core capabilities for trusted data spaces: (i) trusted governance of data, (ii) resource exchange mechanisms, and (iii) value creation from data. To achieve these capabilities, China will focus on cultivating five primary types of trusted data spaces: corporate, sectoral, urban, individual, and cross-border. These spaces will ensure compliance and efficient data circulation, fostering data-driven applications and innovations. The plan, which was open for comments until October 27, 2024, also includes a glossary of terminology and the Trusted Data Space Development Guide (1.0 version).

Call for Comments: Glossary of Data Terminology

On October 21, 2024, the National Data Bureau issued the Glossary of Data Terminology for public feedback. This glossary, which is open for comments until November 20, 2024, includes 41 terms aimed at standardizing language within China’s data sector. Key terms include foundational concepts such as “raw data” and “data asset,” major national initiatives like the “Eastern Data and Western Computing” project and “National Computing Power Network,” and key data-related technologies like “blockchain,” “privacy computing,” and “federated learning.”

Establishment of the National Technical Committee on Data (SAC/TC609)

On October 28, 2024, China held the inaugural meeting of the National Technical Committee on Data (SAC/TC609) in Beijing. The technical committee includes 98 members representing a diverse array of organizations and will act as the primary body for developing data-related standards in China. SAC/TC609 will mirror several international standards bodies, including ISO/IEC JTC1/SC32 (Data management and interchange), ISO/IEC JTC1/SC42/WG2 (Data), ISO/IEC JTC1/WG11 (Smart Cities), and IEC/SyC Smart Cities (Electrotechnical aspects of Smart Cities).

The scope of SAC/TC609 includes foundational standards for data resources, technology, circulation, smart cities, data infrastructure, and security in data utilization. The technical committee will play a pivotal role in harmonizing China’s domestic standards with international norms, facilitating smoother data exchanges globally.

In conclusion, the National Data Bureau’s recent initiatives highlight China’s strategic efforts to build robust data governance systems, enhance data sharing, and strengthen standardization. By introducing foundational policies, frameworks, and terminologies, China aims to foster a thriving data economy while advancing its position in the global digital infrastructure landscape. These efforts provide greater clarity for both domestic and international stakeholders, offering opportunities for engagement and collaboration in China’s evolving data ecosystem.