On May 26, the Fujian Regulations on the Promotion of the Development of Big Data (Draft) was submitted to the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial People’s Congress for the First Hearing. In the light of the current state and needs of the development and application of big data in Fujian, the Regulations provide institutional designs for the main issues in data collection and generation, aggregation and sharing, and open development. The new legislation also clearly defines the responsibilities and powers of the government and related departments, with a view to ensuring that the regulatory authorities and all related departments will diligently fulfill their duties and responsibilities. 

Fujian is one of the first provinces to develop and apply big data, and the construction of “Digital Fujian” has produced remarkable results, with the big data industry spearheading Fujian’s emerging industries. Therefore, it is necessary to enact a dedicated regional law to elevate Fujian’s big data development to the legislative level. This is expected to help maintain Fujian’s lead and initiative in the construction of “Digital China” and in the implementation of the strategy of “Strengthening the Nation through Web Development”. 

The Regulations explicitly classify the opening of public data into two types: universal opening and authorized opening, and provide for access to each type of data. Moreover, the Regulations mandate risk assessment of open data, provide for a graded development model for public data, and establish a sound regulatory system for the use of resources. In addition, the Regulations call for efforts to foster the data trading market, encourage and support data trading activities, and promote the effective flow of data resources. Furthermore, the Regulations require the establishment of sound data protection and security review systems, as well as categorized and graded protection systems of data security. The Regulations also clarify the security protection responsibilities of institutions responsible for the management of the construction, operation and maintenance of fundamental platforms, such as the Government Data Aggregation and Sharing Platform and the Open Platform for Public Data Resources. Lastly, the Regulations require relevant industry associations to establish and improve data security protection standards and collaboration mechanisms to support and assist their members in addressing data security risks.