China’s new data law gives Xi the power to shut down tech firms

A man speaks on his phone near a giant display showing big data and a map of China at a Internet fair in Beijing on April 30, 2021. Xi’s administration has tightened control over the hoard of information produced by the nation’s tech companies as part of broader efforts to position China as a leader in big data. — AP

China’s new data security regime gives President Xi Jinping the power to shut down or fine tech companies as part of his drive to wrest control of vast reams of data held by tech giants like Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Firms found mishandling "core state data” can be forced to cease operations, have their operating licenses revoked or fined up to 10 million yuan (US$1.6mil/RM6.5mil) under a law passed Thursday by the Asian nation’s top legislative body.