China requests Internet companies to tighten data privacy as consumer anxiety rises

China’s national Internet finance association warns that all member institutions should take personal responsibility for corrective action on data privacy. — SCMP

China’s authorities have requested that Internet companies strengthen protection of personal data amid rising concerns that some are violating consumer privacy by stealing, trading or revealing personal information in the name of conducting big data research.

“Without consumer consent, member organisations should not collect, use or provide personal consumer information to third parties,” said a statement earlier this month by China’s national Internet finance association. “All member institutions should take personal responsibility for protecting personal information. Problems [if found] should be corrected immediately and reported to the association ... consumer risk warnings should also be strengthened.”