China aims for more than 100 ‘trusted data spaces’ by 2028 under national action plan

China aims to build more than 100 “trusted data spaces” by 2028 and develop a series of data space solutions and best practices, according to an action plan released over the weekend.

The move marks a major step forward in building a national integrated data market with secure links to other countries.

A trusted data space is an infrastructure for secure data circulation and use, connecting trusted players including data owners, providers, users and developers. The storage and exchange of this data is based on consensus rules and standards, enabling efficient sharing.

According to the 2024-2028 action plan released on Saturday by the National Data Administration (NDA), initiatives will be launched to promote trusted data spaces across enterprises, industries, cities and beyond.

The administration pledged to set up an “efficient, convenient and secure” cross-border data flow mechanism based on multilateral frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Brics and Group of 20.

“We will explore the establishment of a trusted data space dialogue and cooperation mechanism, and promote the construction of international cooperation demonstration projects for trusted data space under regional cooperation platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative,” the action plan said, referring to Beijing’s cross-continental trade and infrastructure strategy.