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Communist Party politics
ChinaPolitics

China launches new data agency as ambitions in AI and digital economy soar

  • National Data Administration debuts as Beijing seeks to outpace the US and other Western rivals in setting norms and standards
  • Growth of artificial intelligence is key driver behind bureau tasked with regulating vast and fast-growing pool of data, analysts say

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Jane Caiin BeijingandWilliam Zhengin Hong Kong
The establishment of China’s new National Data Administration (NDA) agency underscores Beijing’s ambitions to develop the digital economy and strengthen regulation of the country’s vast and fast-growing data pool, observers say.
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According to analysts, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is another key driver behind the agency, inaugurated last month as Beijing seeks to outpace Washington and other Western countries in setting norms and standards for data governance.
The potential dangers of AI were on the agenda when Chinese President Xi Jinping met US counterpart Joe Biden in San Francisco on Wednesday. The two leaders called for joint restrictions on the use of the technology in autonomous weaponry and deployment of nuclear warheads, and affirmed the need to improve AI safety through talks.
Plans for the establishment of the NDA were first revealed by Beijing in March. The agency is officially under the auspices of China’s top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
According to a government reform plan issued in March by the State Council, China’s cabinet, the NDA will take over many responsibilities from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country’s top watchdog in charge of web regulation.

Specifically, the NDA has been tasked with driving China’s digital development by creating blueprints, introducing unified standards for data sharing, and supporting the digitalisation of public services. It will also act as a coordinator among government departments, such as the NDRC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and local governments.

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