Data Security Law will improve digital economy's health

The rapid development of new generation information technology has made data a factor of production along with land, labor, capital, organization and technology. This in turn has made data security an important aspect of national security and economic and social development.

That's why the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, has passed the Data Security Law, which will come into effect on Sept 1 and strengthen the foundation of China's national security and safeguard the booming digital economy.

The law establishes a basic system for classified and hierarchical data management, data security review, data security risk assessment as well as monitoring, early warning and emergency response. By implementing such a system and overcoming the risks and challenges of data security, China can better safeguard its sovereignty, national security and development interests.

From assisting in the pandemic prevention and control measures to being used in early earthquake warning systems, disaster prevention and mitigation, and online education and telemedicine, digital technology is playing a major role in improving people's lives.

However, the unnecessary collection of users' personal data violates customers' rights and interests. Equally worrying is the leakage of personal data and use of big data to study customer behavior in order to boost sales.

The Data Security Law will increase the punishment for misuse and abuse of data and other illegal activities, and enhance people's sense of gain, happiness and security.

Given that data generation is now part of almost all economic activities, ensuring data security is the key to promoting the healthy development of the digital economy. At the same time, only by breaking "data islands" between departments and between industries, and promoting the open, safe and orderly flow of data can the value of data be optimized and new drivers of economic growth developed.

However, open data does not mean arbitrary use of data, so a clear data-use boundary should be set and a standardized utilization process worked out. By ensuring that the flow of data is in line with the law, the authorities will create favorable conditions for the development of the digital economy.

As such, the Data Security Law will better serve China's economic and social development, and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to global data security governance.