China proposes global data rules to counter US moves on TikTok

The United States government’s moves against TikTok and WeChat underscore how the concept of an Internet decoupling is becoming reality. — Reuters

China on Sept 8 outlined a slate of rules designed to prevent foreign governments from acquiring data stored locally, seeking to counter Washington’s accusations that services like TikTok and WeChat share sensitive user information with Beijing.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled the proposals governing global data security after raising the plan with his Group of 20 counterparts last week, part of China’s attempts to set global standards for the digital sphere. They involve forbidding governments from gaining access to data acquired by companies’ overseas operations, according to a statement posted on the ministry’s website.