Didi cybersecurity review expected to set precedent for future ‘national security’ probes into data collection

The Didi review is the first time Beijing has invoked national security in a Big Tech investigation, a move that could be precedent-setting, say analysts. News of the investigation, coming two days after Didi’s IPO in New York, triggered a 5% drop in its share price. — SCMP

China’s cybersecurity review of ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing has set a precedent for how the government will handle national security issues related to data, and lays the groundwork for future investigations into other major tech companies, according to analysts.

The cyberspace security review office, an obscure unit of the powerful Chinese Administration of Cyberspace (CAC), announced the review into Didi on Friday, saying it had stopped the ride hailing giant from registering new users. In another statement on Sunday, CAC said it had also ordered app stores to remove Didi from their platforms.