China launches new data agency as ambitions in AI and digital economy soar

National Data Administration debuts as Beijing seeks to outpace the US and other Western rivals in setting norms and standards. Growth of artificial intelligence is key driver behind bureau tasked with regulating vast and fast-growing pool of data, analysts say. — SCMP

The establishment of China’s new National Data Administration (NDA) agency underscores Beijing’s ambitions to develop the digital economy and strengthen regulation of the country’s vast and fast-growing data pool, observers say.

According to analysts, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is another key driver behind the agency, inaugurated last month as Beijing seeks to outpace Washington and other Western countries in setting norms and standards for data governance.