China is building data exchanges, exporting governance via Digital Silk Road, and treating data as a national asset - not a privacy right

"China's approach to data governance is fundamentally different from that of the EU and the US, treating data as a factor of production rather than a privacy right or corporate asset."

"The 'AI-plus' initiative signifies China's commitment to integrating AI across industries, with data at the core, supported by the establishment of the National Data Administration."

"China is not merely regulating data; it is constructing an entire economic infrastructure around it, which includes new standards and designated innovation zones."

"The country that builds the infrastructure for data governance may ultimately set the global standard, as developing nations observe China's model closely."

China treats data as a national economic resource, akin to land and labor, and is developing a comprehensive data governance framework. This includes the 'AI-plus' initiative for aggressive AI adoption, the establishment of the National Data Administration, and the designation of provinces as Digital Economy Innovation Development Pilot Zones. Over 30 new standards are anticipated by 2026, indicating a focus on creating an economic infrastructure around data, which contrasts sharply with the EU's privacy-centric approach and the US's corporate asset view.

Read at TNW | China