China: Closed consultation on National Data Administration guidelines for the construction of national data infrastructure

On 1 December 2024, the National Data Administration (NDA) closes the consultation on its draft guidelines for the construction of national data infrastructure. The guidelines aim to enhance data circulation, utilisation, and security while fostering a unified national data market to support the digital economy. The National Data Infrastructure is defined as a cohesive framework combining hardware, software, algorithms, standards, and mechanisms to enable data collection, aggregation, transmission, processing, and utilisation. It integrates regional, industrial, and enterprise-level infrastructures to ensure seamless connectivity and functionality. The guidelines identify eight core capabilities within the technical architecture, including data collection, aggregation, processing, circulation, utilisation, operation, transmission, and security. They also emphasise robust measures for data lifecycle security, such as encryption, advanced algorithms, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the guidelines outline objectives for strengthening policy frameworks, driving technological innovation, developing standards, and cultivating talent to support the growth and sustainability of the infrastructure.