China to tighten rules on data transfers abroad with review trigger

Security screening required for companies transferring info on 100,000 people

Tesla has been suspected by Chinese authorities of collecting data through its vehicles and transferring the information outside the country. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta)

SHUNSUKE TABETA, Nikkei staff writer

October 30, 2021 02:07 JST

BEIJING -- Businesses in China would face a national security review prior to transfers outside the country of personal information of 100,000 individuals or more, under a proposal unveiled Friday that comes as Beijing rolls out cybersecurity mandates.

The government will collect expert opinion on the draft data protection regulations through Nov. 28, said the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's top internet watchdog. The directives are expected to go into force soon after.