China Creates New Rules to Protect Data and Computer Programs

China has created new rules to protect important computer data and programs from being stolen. The rules started on June 1 and are the first laws in China to protect digital information as business secrets. These rules came as China worries about losing technology to other countries, especially the United States.

The new rules were made by China's State Administration for Market Regulation. This government agency wants to protect technologies that help China's economy grow. China is the second-largest economy in the world, and these technologies are very important to its success.

The rules require companies to be very careful with their secret information. Companies must limit which workers can see important files based on their job level. They also need to hide sensitive details and watch what users do on their computers. These steps help keep business secrets safe from people who might try to steal them.

The rules also try to stop people from stealing trade secrets in other countries. However, the rules don't explain exactly how China will enforce this outside its borders. The government wants to make sure Chinese companies' secrets stay protected no matter where the theft happens.

China's main government newspaper, the People's Daily, said these rules are good for the digital age. The newspaper explained that computer data, programs, and codes have become the most important secrets for businesses today. It also noted that hackers and computer thieves now often target these digital secrets.

Along with the new rules, China started a month-long campaign to catch rule-breakers. The campaign focuses on important industries like medicine, computer chips, and artificial intelligence. The government promises to stop companies from stealing workers and punish employees who take secrets when they change jobs.

These new rules show that China wants to keep its innovations inside the country. As China becomes more advanced in technology, it wants to make sure other countries don't take its ideas. On the same day, China's Cabinet also made new rules about investing money in other countries.

The investment rules say Chinese companies cannot send restricted goods, technology, or data to other countries without permission first. Companies also cannot give technical training that helps foreign countries get these restricted items. These rules work together to keep China's technology at home.

China is worried about losing both technology and smart workers to other countries. In April, it forced the company Meta to give up its purchase of an AI company called Manus. This company started in China but had moved to Singapore before Meta tried to buy it.

China is also making it harder for top AI workers to travel to other countries. Companies like Alibaba Group and DeepSeek have employees who are restricted from traveling overseas. This shows how seriously China takes protecting its technology talent and keeping its best workers at home.