How Do Foreign Governments Counter China’s Overseas Data Collection Strategies?

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In recent years, China’s expansive overseas data collection activities have attracted significant global attention. As China pushes forward its digital ambitions—backed by advanced technology firms and state agencies—it increasingly collects vast amounts of data beyond its borders. This data spans from commercial information to personal and strategic intelligence, raising concerns among foreign governments about privacy, national security, and economic competitiveness. In response, many countries have developed multifaceted strategies to counter China’s overseas data collection efforts. This article explores these countermeasures and the challenges involved.

Understanding China’s Overseas Data Collection
China’s data collection abroad involves both state physician database and private actors, often intertwined. Chinese tech giants like Huawei, TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and ZTE operate worldwide, collecting user data through apps, telecom infrastructure, and cloud services. At the same time, China’s government intelligence agencies are believed to exploit these platforms and partnerships to gather strategic information. Additionally, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) often incorporates digital infrastructure projects, which provide avenues for data access and surveillance.

This complex network of data collection raises alarms in countries concerned about espionage, intellectual property theft, and undue political influence. In response, foreign governments have adopted various approaches to safeguard their data and counter China’s strategies.

Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
One of the primary responses is tightening legal controls over data access and technology investments:

Data Privacy and Protection Laws: Countries are updating privacy laws to regulate how data is collected, stored, and transferred. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a prime example, setting strict standards that affect all companies operating within its borders, including Chinese firms.

Foreign Investment Screening: Governments have established or strengthened mechanisms to scrutinize foreign investments, particularly in critical sectors such as telecommunications, cloud computing, and infrastructure. For example, the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) closely reviews Chinese investments to prevent potential data access by foreign adversaries.

Telecom and Infrastructure Restrictions: Some countries have banned or restricted Chinese telecom equipment providers like Huawei and ZTE from participating in 5G networks and other critical infrastructure, citing security risks linked to data interception.

Enhancing Cybersecurity and Intelligence Cooperation
Beyond laws, governments are boosting cybersecurity capabilities and intelligence sharing:

Cyber Defense Initiatives: Agencies are investing in technologies and teams to detect and mitigate cyber intrusions and data theft linked to Chinese actors. This includes monitoring network traffic, analyzing malware, and conducting penetration testing.

Allied Intelligence Sharing: Countries in alliances such as the Five Eyes (United States, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) share intelligence on Chinese cyber activities and data collection operations. This collaborative approach helps identify threats and coordinate responses.